Protests erupt in Albania as a luxury resort project backed by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump, triggers a political storm. The development, planned for the pristine coastline of Jale, has drawn fierce opposition from local residents and environmental groups. British investors, already wary of the region’s volatility, are now issuing stark warnings about the project’s impact on stability.
Sources confirm that the resort, a sprawling complex of hotels and villas, is part of a broader push by Kushner’s firm, Affinity Partners, to expand into the Balkans. The Saudi-backed investment vehicle has secured land rights through opaque deals that critics allege bypassed proper oversight. Documents obtained by this newspaper reveal that the Albanian government fast-tracked permits for the project, raising questions about due diligence.
“The locals are furious,” said a Tirana-based analyst who requested anonymity. “They see this as a land grab. People are talking about corruption at the highest levels.” Protests in the capital and along the coast have turned violent, with clashes between demonstrators and police. The unrest has disrupted supply chains and spooked foreign capital.
British investment firms with exposure to Albania’s emerging market are now reassessing their positions. A senior executive at a London-based fund told us: “We cannot afford to be associated with a project mired in controversy. The reputational risk is too great. If the situation deteriorates, we will pull out.” That sentiment echoes across the City, where the Balkan state is already viewed as a high-risk destination.
The Albanian government defends the project as a catalyst for economic growth, promising jobs and infrastructure. But critics point to the lack of transparency in the deal. Kushner’s team has not commented on the record. Meanwhile, British diplomats in the region have expressed concern about the erosion of democratic norms.
The protests have also laid bare deeper societal fractures. Environmental activists warn that construction will destroy fragile ecosystems. “This coastline is a national treasure,” said one protester. “We will not allow it to be sold off to the highest bidder.” The unrest shows no signs of abating, with new demonstrations planned for this week.
For British investors, the episode is a cautionary tale. “When you have the Kushner name attached, it brings baggage,” the fund executive added. “We should have seen this coming.” As the situation escalates, the question remains: how many more such projects will be allowed to proceed before the region’s stability is permanently damaged?
