Albania protests turn violent over Trump-linked resort in protected area

Summary

Protests in Albania over a luxury resort project linked to the Trump family have turned increasingly violent. MEPs have accused the government of deploying "sneaky" practices to fast-track the development, and a Dutch MEP said the government is trying to avoid EU environmental rules. Prime Minister Edi Rama has blamed a "hybrid war" for fuelling unrest across the country, and has pledged to "listen to the voices of young people" taking to the streets. There is mounting criticism of his failure to address demonstrators who had long opposed the project peacefully.

Timeline

1. The Guardian

   19 Oct 2026, 13:53 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that MEPs have accused Albania of deploying "sneaky" practices to fast-track a proposed Trump-linked luxury resort in a formerly protected landscape, as protests over the development turn increasingly violent.

2. Euronews

   20 Oct 2026, 10:48 UTCSource ↗

   Euronews reports that Prime Minister Edi Rama blames a "hybrid war" for fuelling anti-government unrest across Albania, which began over a controversial resort development in an ecologically protected area linked to US President Donald Trump's family.