Hundreds of protesters marched on Albania’s government offices on June 2 as a third consecutive day of demonstrations in the capital against a planned luxury resort in the protected Zvërnec coastal area escalated, with some demonstrators breaking through a police cordon outside the prime minister’s building. 

The protests are part of a wider mobilisation against a $4bn tourism development backed by investors linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. The project would cover parts of the Vjosa-Narta wetland ecosystem and the uninhabited Adriatic island of Sazan, areas environmental groups say are among the most ecologically sensitive in the Balkans.

Crowds gathered earlier in Skënderbej Square before marching to the interior ministry and then to the Prime Minister’s Office, chanting slogans including “Albania is not for sale” and “Albania belongs to Albanians,” while holding placards reading “Hands off Vjosa-Narta.”

During the rally, sections of the crowd pushed through security barriers at the entrance to the government compound, prompting brief clashes with police, according to local media reports. Protesters demanded the resignation of the government and the repeal of legislation on strategic investments and development in protected areas.

Environmental NGOs have warned that construction could damage biodiversity, including bird migration routes and habitats for flamingos, sea turtles and other protected species. Excavation work began earlier this year, triggering public outrage.

The government has defended the project, arguing it is part of a broader strategy to expand high-end tourism and attract foreign investment. Prime Minister Edi Rama has said the development complies with legal and environmental requirements, and that Albania should position itself as a regional tourism destination.

“I want to make Albania a country that is a destination to be envied in the region, and this project is part of this effort,” Rama said earlier this week, reported Top-Channel TV.

Authorities have also rejected claims that the site is fully protected, while acknowledging that environmental assessments are ongoing. Rama has insisted the project will proceed, saying there is “no chance that the investment will stop as long as I am here”. 

The development, promoted by investment firm Affinity Partners, includes plans for up to 10,000 hotel rooms across roughly 2.5 square kilometres of coastal land. Kushner’s firm has previously pursued large-scale tourism projects in the region.

The Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) said on June 1 it has opened an investigation into changes in land status and ownership linked to the Zvërnec area in 2024, which enabled tourism development, reported Politico.

The protests intensified after fences topped with barbed wire were erected at the site in late May, blocking public access to beaches and coastal areas. Demonstrators and NGOs say this effectively privatised parts of the shoreline.

A protest took place in Zvërnec on May 30, which provoked widespread public anger after videos shared on social media showed private security guards detaining a protester. 

The following night, protesters gathered outside government buildings in Tirana demanding an end to the project and the resignation of the prime minister. Further demonstrations are planned in the capital and near the project site later this week.