Thousands of protesters in Tirana oppose a billion-euro luxury eco-resort on Sazan Island tied to Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, with signs declaring that Albania is not for sale.

The project is planned as a roughly 1.4 billion euro investment via Affinity Partners, aiming to transform the uninhabited island into a high-end destination.

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner describe the venture as more than a business, envisioning architecture that integrates with the landscape and positions the island as a model of future living.

The development is in early stages with no official opening date, and it faces environmental and transparency scrutiny, with calls for investigations by Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) into coastal tourism deals.

Local critics argue the project would urbanize a pristine area and mainly benefit foreigners, potentially skewing local employment and economic benefits.

Protests and opposition from citizens and environmental groups have intensified as scrutiny of the project grows.

Plans include integrating Sazan’s 3,600 historical bunkers and establishing a five-star hospitality footprint within a protected national marine zone, raising biodiversity concerns.

Prime Minister Edi Rama has stated the government does not believe the project would encroach on the protected reserve and noted that the final proposal and environmental study are not yet complete.

The project is marketed as self-sufficient and involves partnerships with Aman Resorts and Major Food Group, led by Vladislav Doronin and restaurateurs, signaling a high-profile luxury venture.

Albanian authorities have opened investigations by SPAK into changes to the protected area status and land ownership intended to enable tourism development, adding a legal dimension to the controversy.

Locally, the island is referred to as ‘Trump Island,’ reflecting the strong association and controversy surrounding the venture.