Albania's protesters challenge Rama's grip on power over Kushner-linked resort deal

Summary

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama gave preliminary approval to a luxury resort project linked to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US president Donald Trump, shortly after Trump's 2024 election victory. The project is part of wider plans to develop the strategic island of Sazan and the nearby Zvernec coast, around the protected Narta wetlands. On 30 December 2024, Rama's Strategic Investments Committee granted Atlantic Incubation Partners LLC, the Kushner-linked company, strategic investor status for the €1.4bn Sazan resort. Opposition to the deal has become a symbol of years of development deals that enriched the powerful while ordinary Albanians struggled with low wages, unemployment and emigration. On 20 October 2026, protesters marched in central Tirana after a week of anti-government demonstrations, and their anger now targets both the ruling government and the opposition. Former Democratic Party MP Ervin Salianji said the protests are aimed at opposition leader Sali Berisha, whom he says has entered into a tacit alliance with Rama.

Timeline

1. Middle East Eye

   21 Oct 2026, 15:28 UTCSource ↗

   Middle East Eye reports that Rama's embrace of Kushner and Israel, including the Kushner-linked Sazan resort deal, has collided with mounting anger over corruption and inequality and now threatens his leadership as protesters demand he leave office.