TIRANA, June 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama told Reuters that plans for an investment in Zvërnec, led by Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, will continue despite ongoing protests. He said parts of the resort may open to the public before the end of the decade.
Meanwhile, Rama said Albania will proceed with the luxury resort on a remote part of the Balkan coast. He said concerns over environmental impact will not stop the project. He described it as a “beautiful project” and said Albania will be proud to contribute to Europe.
In addition, the prime minister said he was elected to advance development projects. He said he does not accept being guided by opposition views that, in his words, follow a different vision for the country. He called the investment a “big dream” and said major projects always face controversy.
At the same time, Rama said environmental protection will be taken into account. He pledged protection of wildlife and said authorities will complete an environmental impact assessment during project development.
Earlier, Reuters reported that thousands of protesters demonstrated in Tirana and along the southern coast. They called for the cancellation of the project due to concerns over a protected wetland habitat where flamingos, seals, and sea turtle nesting sites are located. Protesters have used flamingos as a symbol of the movement.
Meanwhile, the development is led by Affinity Partners, the investment firm of Jared Kushner. The project near the Vjosa-Narta area is valued at 1.4 billion euros, while related developments reach up to 5 billion euros, according to Rama.
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