Albania's 'Flamingo Revolution' fights Kushner-Trump resort on protected island

Protests have entered their seventh day in Albania over a billion-dollar resort project linked to Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump. Demonstrators are opposing plans to turn Sazan Island and parts of the Vjosa-Narta protected zone into luxury hotels. The dispute has intensified since construction machinery arrived last month, sparking nightly rallies in the capital. The controversy began when excavators and bulldozers moved onto the site in late June. Activists claim the government failed to hold public consultations or release the development permit. They have named their movement the Flamingo Revolution, using the pink bird as a symbol of the wildlife they fear will vanish if the project proceeds.

A local environmental officer reported that at least one sea turtle nest had already been destroyed by the machinery. Despite growing opposition, Prime Minister Edi Rama has vowed to push ahead, calling the resort a major economic opportunity for Albania.

The development is led by Sazan Real Estate Development LLC, which includes Kushner among its investors. The company states its commitment to responsible stewardship and environmental enhancement. Ivanka Trump recently mentioned the project on a podcast, saying she and Kushner had discovered the island while sailing with friends.

Protesters remain defiant, arguing the luxury hotels will devastate protected habitats and wildlife. Their demonstrations show no signs of slowing as construction work continues. The standoff persists between activists and the Albanian government over the resort’s future. With machinery already on site and officials standing firm, the outcome will determine whether the project moves forward or faces further delays. Environmental groups continue to warn of irreversible damage to the island’s ecosystems.