Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner’s planned luxury resort project in Albania has triggered widespread protests and public debate. The development, proposed for a coastal area known for its natural beauty, has drawn criticism from local residents, environmental groups, and activists who argue that it could harm the region’s ecosystem and limit public access to the shoreline. Opponents say the project favors private investment over community interests and raises concerns about transparency in land use approvals. The controversy continues to grow as authorities review permits and public opposition gains momentum across the country.Thousands of people in Albania have recently taken to the streets to protest Kushner’s planned 1,400-hectare luxury resort projects along the Adriatic coast, marking the latest controversy surrounding his business activities in the region. According to Forbes, Kushner, through his private equity firm Affinity Partners, is developing two major sites: a $1.4 billion project on the uninhabited island of Sazan and a $4.7 billion development in the protected coastal area of Zvërnec. The resorts are expected to be built with involvement from Ivanka.— europa (@europa) Ivanka drew scrutiny this week after promoting the planned luxury development on a podcast. During the interview, she said she and Kushner were 'captivated' by the island following their first visit. She also described the project as part of a broader vision shaped by her experience in real estate, extensive travel, and personal reflection on lifestyle trends. — ShadowofEzra (@ShadowofEzra) Speaking with host David Senra, Ivanka said the development represents 'the culmination' of her work and thinking, aiming to create something that reflects how people increasingly want to live. She added that the project is intended as a tangible expression of that evolving lifestyle concept.According to CNN, the luxury development has triggered large street protests in Albania’s capital, Tirana, where demonstrators carried pink cardboard cutouts of flamingos, highlighting concerns that the birds’ habitat could be endangered by the project. The backlash has spread more widely across the country, reflecting public opposition in one of Europe’s lowest GDP per capita nations. — Malcolm_Pal9 (@Malcolm_Pal9) The Albanian government granted preliminary approval for the Sazan project in December 2024, shortly after Donald Trump’s reelection, also designating it a 'strategic investor' to speed up approvals. However, the plans have drawn strong environmental criticism, as both sites lie within protected ecosystems. In January, 41 environmental groups, as reported by the outlet, urged authorities to halt the projects. Protests began in spring after construction signs appeared, and tensions have escalated following reports of security forces removing demonstrators.Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has continued to strongly support Kushner’s planned construction despite rising social unrest."It is very important that we remain welcoming, that we remain fair, and that under no circumstances do we receive the stigma of being a country where investors are met with hostility," Rama said in a statement, as quoted by Forbes citing Reuters. "There is absolutely no chance that the investment will stop as long as I am here." The Albanian government has previously defended the project, stating that it complies with environmental regulations. Developers have also said they plan to proceed with the construction in an environmentally responsible way.