Albania Zvernec Tourism Project Protests (June 2026)

The Zvernec Tourism Project protests refer to demonstrations that began in 2026 against a planned tourism investment in the Zvernec area of Vlora, Albania, which has been alleged to be linked to Ivanka Trump, daughter of former U.S. President Donald Trump, and her husband Jared Kushner. The project, which is planned to be carried out within protected coastal areas, has sparked nationwide debate due to its environmental impacts and the process of selling the land.

At the center of the controversy is the allocation of a coastal area in the Zvernec region, attached to the city of Vlora, to investors under a large-scale tourism project. Reports in Albanian media and international outlets have suggested that the project is connected to Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner. The project’s estimated cost is approximately four billion U.S. dollars. The Albanian government has defended the investment as a source of economic benefit for the country.

The primary objection raised by opponents of the project concerns its environmental impact. The area where the tourism facility is planned lies within the Vjosa-Narta Protected Area.

The Vjosa-Narta Protected Area is recognized as one of the most important natural habitats along the Adriatic Sea coast. It is home to 248 bird species including flamingos and Dalmatian pelicans, approximately 100 fish species, and 770 plant species. The area supports more than 2,300 living species and is considered one of Albania’s most significant conservation zones. Environmental organizations and protesters argue that the proposed investment could cause irreversible damage to the ecosystem.

Protests against the project began on 30 May 2026. They first emerged in the Zvernec area and later moved to the capital Tirana.

_{Protests in Albania (3 June 2026, Anadolu Agency)}

Thousands of people have organized various protest actions opposing the allocation of the coastline to investors under the project. Slogans such as “Albania is not for sale” and “Albania is ours” have been used during the demonstrations. Protesters have argued that construction activities must not be permitted in protected areas.

Tensions have occasionally arisen between security forces and protesters during the demonstrations.

On 30 May, clashes occurred between employees of a private security company guarding the project site in Zvernec and demonstrators. During the incidents, pepper spray used by security personnel affected both protesters and police units present at the location.

Following the incidents, the security company announced that some of its staff had been removed from duty.

On the fourth day of the protests, police in Tirana used water cannons against demonstrators during rallies. During the same protests, slogans opposing Israel and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were also chanted.

_{Protests in Albania (3 June 2026, Anadolu Agency)}

In the following days of the protests, the center of activity shifted to Tirana. Demonstrators gathered at Skanderbeg Square and the Boulevard of the National Martyrs and marched toward the Prime Minister’s Office.

On the seventh day of the protests, thousands gathered in Tirana to continue their demonstrations. During the same period, Albanians living in Milan, Italy, organized solidarity demonstrations in support of protecting the project areas.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended the project, asserting that it has proceeded in full compliance with all legal and environmental procedures. In an interview with CNN, Rama rejected claims that the project is linked to the Trump family.

The Prime Minister also claimed that Albania is the target of a “hybrid war” and alleged that certain circles competing with Albania in the tourism sector have supported anti-investment campaigns.

In a statement on the seventh day of the protests, Rama claimed that approximately 2,000 people participated in the demonstrations, calling it the lowest turnout so far, while the highest participation reached 8,000 people.

As the controversy over the project grew, it was reported that Albania’s Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) had launched an investigation. Albanian media reported that the investigation covers both the sale process of the land and the procedures related to the tourism investment. SPAK has not disclosed details of the investigation to the public.

According to a report by the Greek-based Greekcitytimes, the company developing the project is considering withdrawing from Albania due to the intense public backlash it has faced.

The report claims that investors are exploring alternative investment locations in other Balkan countries. It also states that Greece is offering various investment incentives to attract similar high-profile projects in regions such as the island of Mykonos.

Protests against the planned tourism project in the Zvernec area of Vlora, Albania, continued on their tenth day. A large-scale protest under the slogan “Albania is not for sale” was held in the capital Tirana.

_{Performances in Tirana (June 10, 2026, Anadolu Agency)}

Demonstrators gathered at Skanderbeg Square in Tirana to express opposition to the sale of a coastal area in Zvernec under a tourism investment allegedly linked to Ivanka Trump, daughter of U.S. President Donald Trump, and her husband Jared Kushner. Protesters marched along the Boulevard of the National Martyrs toward the Prime Minister’s Office carrying banners and Albanian flags. During the protests, demands were made for the cancellation of the project and the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. It was stated that anti-project protests would continue in the coming days.

Anti-migrant demonstrations and related violent incidents that began in Northern Ireland on 9 June continued into their second night. The unrest concentrated in the Newtownabbey region of Belfast, where demonstrators attempted to march toward a hotel allegedly housing irregular migrants. Police intervened with water cannons to block the protesters’ advance.

Clashes between demonstrators and police resulted in disturbances, and security forces reportedly used plastic bullets in some areas. One vehicle was set on fire, and an unused building was targeted for arson. During the same period, a “target list” containing addresses of homes believed to be occupied by migrants circulated on social media platforms. The list reportedly included approximately 100 addresses, mostly in Belfast.

The family of Stephen Ogilvy, the victim of the stabbing attack that triggered the unrest, issued a written statement through police. The statement highlighted the significant contributions made by migrants living in the country and emphasized the need for migrant labor in sustaining the national economy. The family stressed that they did not wish their tragedy to be used to foster division within society.

Ogilvy’s family, who reported that he lost one eye in the attack and remains in critical condition, called for an end to the violence and for peace to be restored in the community.

Turkish Ambassador to London Osman Koray Ertaş issued a warning to Turkish citizens in light of the ongoing anti-migrant incidents in Northern Ireland. Ertaş stated that developments are being closely monitored and urged citizens to avoid areas where demonstrations are likely to intensify.

Ambassador Ertaş emphasized the importance of following security advisories issued by British authorities and advised citizens to remain calm in the event of possible harassment or attacks. He also recommended that citizens seek assistance from local security forces and Turkish diplomatic missions if they encounter adverse situations. It was reported that Ambassador Ertaş met with Ümit Güler, a Turkish barber whose business was targeted in incidents in the town of Ballyclare near Belfast, and conveyed his best wishes for recovery.

Protests against the planned tourism project in the Zvernec area of Vlora, Albania, continued on their 17th day. The demonstrations arose in response to concerns over the proposed allocation of a coastal area in Zvernec to a tourism investment allegedly linked to Ivanka Trump, daughter of U.S. President Donald Trump, and her husband Jared Kushner. In Tirana, protesters gathered under the slogan “Albania is not for sale” demanding the project’s suspension.

_{Protests in Albania (17 June 2026) Anadolu Agency}

Over time, the protests have evolved beyond a mere environmental movement against the tourism project into a broader platform for criticizing Albania’s political leadership and public policies. Protesters argue that coastal areas must not be opened to private investment projects and insist on the protection of the natural environment and the prioritization of public interest. Criticisms of the current political system for its inability to address the country’s problems have also been frequently voiced during the demonstrations.

Some citizens participating in the protests have criticized not only Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government but also political figures who have long dominated Albanian politics. Demands have emerged that the current political class has failed to meet societal expectations and that a new political paradigm must emerge in the country.

In Tirana, the capital of Albania, a protest was held in front of the Albanian Parliament as part of demonstrations that have continued for nearly a month against the planned tourism project in the Zvernec area of Vlora. The protest took place during a session of the Parliament’s General Assembly, when a group of activists and citizens expressed opposition to the Zvernec tourism project and to the approval of construction activities in protected areas.

_{Protests Held in Albania (June 28, 2026) Anadolu Agency}

Intensive security measures were implemented around the Parliament building, with a large number of police officers deployed. Protesters chanted slogans at members of parliament as they entered the building, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and the current political leadership and calling for the formation of a provisional government.

During the action, demonstrators carried banners with slogans such as “Parliament of Crime,” “35 years of destruction, corruption, theft and population decline,” and “Albanian politics must be uprooted for Albania’s future.” Police prevented some protesters from placing garbage bins in the Parliament grounds, while another group threw eggs at vehicles belonging to members of parliament. Clashes occurred between police and demonstrators, prompting the deployment of additional security forces to establish a security cordon.

_{Protests Held in Albania (June 29, 2026) Anadolu Agency}

During the same period, protests were also held in the Rrjoll region, part of the Shkodër province in northern Albania, against planned tourism projects. Local residents and activists objected to the construction of tourist facilities on lands claimed by families as their property, without any compensation being paid, and demanded that the projects be halted.

Protests that began on 30 May 2026 against the planned tourism project in the Zvernec area of Vlora, Albania, continued on their 35th day. In Tirana, hundreds of demonstrators gathered at Skanderbeg Square under the slogan “Albania is not for sale” to protest the allocation of the Zvernec coastline to a tourism investment allegedly linked to Ivanka Trump, daughter of U.S. President Donald Trump, and her husband Jared Kushner. Protesters then marched toward the Prime Minister’s Office along the Boulevard of the National Martyrs carrying Albanian flags, chanting anti-government slogans and continuing their procession through the streets of Tirana.

_{Protests Held in Tirana, the Capital of Albania (July 5, 2026) Anadolu Agency}

The protests are no longer limited to objections against the Zvernec tourism project; demonstrators are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, a change in government, and the beginning of a new era in the country’s governance. Activists also cite long-standing economic problems, mass emigration of the youth population, and mismanagement of public resources as core reasons for their demonstrations.

_{Protests in Tirana (July 6, 2026) Anadolu Agency}

Meanwhile, Albanian media reports indicate that Albania’s Special Prosecution Office has launched an investigation into alleged irregularities related to the project. Prime Minister Edi Rama has previously denied claims that the Zvernec investment is linked to the Trump family. The tourism project, estimated at approximately four billion U.S. dollars and alleged to be connected to Jared Kushner, continues to be debated in Albania over its environmental impact, use of coastal areas, and implications for public interest.