Published June 21, 2026
Thousands of protesters marched through Albania’s capital, Tirana, in one of the largest rallies yet to protest plans for a luxury resort linked to US President Donald Trump, which has become a lightning rod for anger over corruption allegations.
Demonstrators have gathered every night since late May to protest plans to build a hotel complex in a protected area on the Balkan coast that is associated with President Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner.
Saturday’s march drew what was believed to be the largest crowd since the movement began, with many members of the Albanian diaspora returning home to participate. Waving Albanian and American flags, demonstrators released red balloons and shouted the slogan “Albania is not for sale”, which was projected on the facade of the prime minister’s office.
“We are not against the development of the country. We are against the arrogance and lack of transparency surrounding projects that affect our lives,” said Alma, a science student.
The Kushner-backed resort, along with another planned development on nearby Southern Island, will be located near an important breeding site for migratory birds in the Vijosa Narta Reserve, which includes flocks of flamingos.
Environmental concerns are merging with widespread anger at Prime Minister Edi Rama, who protesters have accused of opaque trade along the coast. Many now say he will remain on the streets until he resigns.
A defiant Mr. Rama said at a party meeting that he would not resign, arguing that the controversy was driven more by Mr. Kushner’s name and “Trump’s shadow” than the project itself.
