Protests have broken out in Albania over Jared Kushner’s resort project
This is according to Bloomberg.
Why the protests began in Albania
According to the publication, on 20 June, protesters gathered on Tirana’s main boulevard near Prime Minister Edi Rama’s office. The demonstrators blocked traffic near the government building and demanded the prime minister’s resignation. The discontent stemmed from a resort project on Albania’s southern coast, backed by Jared Kushner’s investment firm, Affinity Partners. The protests began after preparatory work started near the site of the future complex.
What the protesters are demanding
The protesters oppose the project and claim there is a lack of transparency in the authorities’ decisions.
In particular, they are demanding explanations regarding:
- the use of nature conservation areas;
- land ownership rights;
- the construction approval process.
According to the protesters, large-scale private investment projects on the country’s coastline require greater public scrutiny.
The Albanian government’s response
Prime Minister Edi Rama has rejected calls for his resignation and defended the project. He said that whilst the government must respond to citizens’ concerns, it will not make decisions under pressure from the protests. Rama also stated that international criticism of the project is linked not only to environmental issues but also to the fact that Kushner — a member of the Trump family — is among the investors.
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