Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended a $4 billion luxury resort project backed by Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, asserting that Iranian hackers are partly responsible for the recent wave of protests against the development. The proposed resort would be situated on Sazan Island, Albania’s only island, and include development along a nearby coastal area adjacent to a protected bird sanctuary known for its flamingo population.
Speaking at a conference in Rome, Rama confirmed that the coastal land required for the project had been purchased by the investors and that an environmental impact assessment was underway, though he emphasized the project had not yet received final approval. He also reassured environmental concerns by stating that the initiative aims to increase green space by 25 percent and improve the habitat for local wildlife, including the birds and marine areas currently at risk.
The plan is backed by Affinity Partners, a U.S. investment firm founded by Kushner. Rama attributed much of the public backlash to a combination of cyberattacks and foreign interference. He accused Iran of conducting persistent cyber operations against Albania for the past three years and of now fueling the anti-resort demonstrations. Albania has been a target of Iranian criticism largely because it hosts thousands of members of the Mujahedin-e Khalq, an exiled Iranian opposition group.
Rama characterized the protests as influenced by opponents of former U.S. President Donald Trump, pointing out that many of the demonstrators are foreigners and digitally amplified by what he described as “digital outrage” against Kushner and Trump’s involvement. He suggested that most residents of the nearby city support the development and are eager for the project to proceed.
The protests began several weeks ago after the developer installed fencing around the coastal site opposite Sazan Island, which Ivanka Trump reportedly "discovered" during a sailing trip in the Mediterranean. Opponents argue the project threatens the environment and that the government should prioritize improving public services and infrastructure over accommodating high-end foreign investments.
Tourism has become an increasingly important sector for Albania, which remains one of Europe's poorest countries, with around 12 million foreign visitors recorded last year. However, locals have voiced concerns about environmental degradation and the impact of large-scale development on natural landscapes and protected areas along the coastline.
The situation reflects broader tensions between economic development ambitions and environmental protection, as well as geopolitical undercurrents involving Albania’s relations with Iran and the United States. The final fate of the resort project remains pending approval amid ongoing domestic and international scrutiny.