Protests in Albania against Kushner resort swell to tens of thousands

Tens of thousands of Albanians have protested for 21 consecutive days against the planned construction of a luxury resort on the country's coast. The development, backed by Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners, is slated for the pristine beaches of Dhërmi in the Vlorë region. Protesters are raising concerns about the environmental impact and the potential displacement of local communities. The Albanian government has defended the project, stating it will bring significant economic benefits and create thousands of jobs. However, environmental groups and local residents argue that the scale of the development, which includes hotels, villas, and a marina, is incompatible with the protected status of the area and will irrevocably damage the coastline. The protests have gained national attention, with opposition parties joining the calls for the government to halt the project and conduct a more thorough environmental and social impact assessment. The government's response has been to reaffirm its commitment to the project, emphasizing the investment of $1 billion and the projected creation of 1,500 jobs. The ongoing demonstrations highlight a growing tension between economic development initiatives and environmental preservation efforts in Albania.