Protests Erupt in Albania Over Jared Kushner-Backed Luxury Resort Plans Amidst Architecture Festival

Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in Albania to oppose luxury resort projects slated for the country’s southwest coast, with significant controversy surrounding developments backed by Jared Kushner’s investment firm. The protests coincide with the second edition of the Bread & Heart architecture festival, which focused on “Landscapes of Abundance” in Tirana.

Concerns over environmental degradation and a lack of transparency have fueled the public outcry against the proposed developments, particularly on Sazan Island and in the Nartë Lagoon area. Prime Minister Edi Rama has stated his intention to proceed with the construction, despite the growing opposition.

Sazan Island Redevelopment

Sazan Island, a former top-secret military base and chemicals plant, was declassified for civilian use in 2024. Plans for its redevelopment, which emerged following an RFP in 2025, include the construction of 520 villas, 600 townhouses, 1,400 apartments, a casino, an 18-hole golf course, a water park, and a superyacht marina. Major hotel brands such as Aman Resorts, Cheval Blanc, Cipriani, and Atlantis are expected to be involved.

The developers behind the Sazan project include Sazan Real Estate Development, Affinity Partners (Jared Kushner’s firm), and Qatar-based Assets Group. Early design concepts were developed by Laboratory for Visionary Architecture (LAVA) in collaboration with Systematica, though LAVA clarified that their work was a draft study and their involvement did not extend beyond that stage. A spokesperson for LAVA emphasized that their study prioritized ecological responsibility and biodiversity.

Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) was also involved in an early assessment and initial master planning framework for the broader Pishë Poro-Nartë region, distinct from Sazan Island. A BIG spokesperson confirmed their contribution was limited to this framework and they are not currently engaged in projects in the area. Other firms, including Kengo Kuma & Associates, Ateliers Jean Nouvel, K-Studio, and Emre Arolat Architecture, were commissioned for a framework plan for the Pishë Poro-Nartë region, but responses from these firms regarding their current involvement were not immediately available.

Nartë Lagoon “Flamingo Revolution”

The Nartë Lagoon area, known as the Vjosë-Nartë Protected Landscape, is a vital wildlife reserve and home to over 70 endangered species, including flamingos. Protests against proposed luxury resorts in this area have been dubbed the “Flamingo Revolution.” While the area was recognized as a “nature protection area” in 2004, prohibiting development, its legal status was changed to a “protected landscape” in 2022. A law enacted in 2024 permits construction within such reserves.

The tension over these developments has been building since March 2024, when Jared Kushner posted renderings of proposed projects in Albania and Serbia. The New York Times reported in January 2025 that the Albanian government had approved Kushner’s development plans for Sazan Island, leading to intermittent protests.

Bread & Heart Festival Context

The Bread & Heart festival, held in Tirana, provided a platform for discussions on architecture, landscape, ecology, and territorial development. The event brought together prominent architects, some of whom have been associated with or have commented on development frameworks in Albania. The festival’s timing, concurrent with the escalating protests, highlighted the national debate surrounding Albania’s rapid development and its environmental and social implications.

The Albanian government’s push for development is partly fueled by the country’s expected European Union accession by 2030, which is driving rising property values and investment interest. However, critics argue that this rapid expansion comes at the cost of invaluable natural resources and public consultation.

Key facts
| Aspect | Details |
| ——————- | ————————————————————————————————— |
| Location | Southwest Albanian coast, Sazan Island, Nartë Lagoon |
| Project Backers | Affinity Partners (Jared Kushner), Sazan Real Estate Development, Assets Group |
| Proposed Developments | Luxury resorts, villas, townhouses, apartments, casino, golf course, water park, marina |
| Key Concerns | Environmental degradation, lack of transparency, impact on endangered species |
| Coinciding Event | Bread & Heart architecture festival in Tirana |

This situation underscores a critical intersection of international investment, national development goals, and local environmental and social concerns. For readers interested in global architecture and urbanism, the Albanian context presents a case study on the challenges of balancing economic growth with ecological preservation and transparent planning processes, particularly when large-scale international projects are involved.

Source: The Architect’s Newspaper – https://www.archpaper.com/2026/06/jared-kushner-albania/

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