Updated
Updated · POLITICO Europe · Jun 5
Rama Dismisses Protests Over Kushner's Sazan Resort as Albania Pushes Tourism Investment
Updated
Updated · POLITICO Europe · Jun 5

Rama Dismisses Protests Over Kushner's Sazan Resort as Albania Pushes Tourism Investment

3 articles · Updated · POLITICO Europe · Jun 5

Summary

  • Edi Rama said protests against Jared Kushner’s planned luxury resort on Sazan Island and the Zvërnec coast are politically driven and less widespread than reported.
  • The Albanian prime minister argued the project threatens neither flamingos nor other wildlife, rejecting claims from activists who say the area is a key habitat.
  • Street demonstrations in recent days have targeted the development of the largely unspoiled island and nearby coastline, with civil society and international media dubbing the campaign the “flamingo revolution.”
  • Rama framed his defense of the resort as part of a broader strategy to draw foreign investment and expand Albania’s tourism industry despite international criticism.

Insights

Can Albania's 'flamingo revolution' halt a billion-dollar resort on protected land?
With corruption probes and EU warnings, is Albania's dream project becoming a diplomatic nightmare?