Albania protests sparked by Jared Kushner-backed luxury resort plans snowball into anti-corruption movement

June 22, 2026 / 12:23 PM EDT / CBS News

Albania protests sparked by Jared Kushner-backed luxury resort plans snowball into anti-corruption movement

TL;DR

  • Thousands of Albanians have protested for 21 consecutive days in Tirana against a luxury tourism development in the Pishë Poro-Narta area.
  • The project, backed by Jared Kushner's firm Affinity Partners, includes plans for hotels, villas, a golf course, and a casino.
  • Protests have broadened to include wider concerns about government corruption and a lack of transparency.
  • Investors include Qatar-based Assets Group, run by the Al Khayyat brothers.
  • Albanian activists report a lack of public consultation and initial environmental damage, including the destruction of a sea turtle nest.
  • Prime Minister Edi Rama supports the development for its economic potential, despite mounting public opposition.
  • An investigation into a planned development has been opened by Albania's anti-corruption body, but it does not concern companies associated with Kushner.