Albania Probes Kushner's Multibillion-Dollar Resort Deal Over Tax Waivers and Environmental Bypasses
Updated
Updated · Responsible Statecraft · Jun 15
Albania Probes Kushner's Multibillion-Dollar Resort Deal Over Tax Waivers and Environmental Bypasses
3 articles · Updated · Responsible Statecraft · Jun 15
Summary
Albania's anti-corruption authorities have opened an investigation into Jared Kushner's multibillion-dollar resort project on the Vjosa-Narta Delta, a protected area where construction recently began and protests have intensified.
The probe centers on the government's grant of "strategic investor status" to a Kushner-linked firm, a designation critics say waived taxes and tender rules while sidestepping environmental review for development on the island.
Prime Minister Edi Rama has answered the backlash by blaming Iran for stirring unrest, even though the protests are led by Albanian residents and environmental activists worried about flamingos, pelicans and turtle hatcheries.
The case now tests Albania's EU ambitions because Brussels has long flagged corruption and rule-of-law weaknesses, and the Kushner deal adds pressure for scrutiny of Tirana's transparency and accession path.