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Tourism for billionaires, poverty for locals: Albania as a scenario of legal robbery
Jared Kushner’s plans to build luxury resorts in Albania have sparked intense controversy. His investment company, Affinity Partners, plans to develop exclusive tourist complexes on the pristine island of Sazan and along the Adriatic coast, including a protected natural area. The projects, worth more than $1 billion, have raised deep concerns about environmental impact, displacement of local residents and the risk of corruption, at a time when Albania is experiencing a tourism boom.
Plan for Sazan and the Narta Lagoon
Affinity Partners has secured a $1.4 billion deal to transform Sazan Island, a former military base, into a 1,400-hectare luxury resort. On land, the other major project includes a 6,000-room resort and villas near the Narta Lagoon, an area known for its rich biodiversity, especially for waterfowl such as flamingos.
Architectural plans envision modern multi-story buildings along the coastline, dunes, and hills.
Growing public and environmental backlash
The proposed projects have sparked a wave of opposition from environmentalists and local communities. Sazan Island is located within a national marine park, while the development on the coast affects a protected nature reserve. Critics warn of major ecological and social consequences.
Threat to biodiversity : The Narta Lagoon is a vital habitat for migratory birds, while Sazani has a rare "Jurassic" landscape with unique vegetation.
Water crisis: Albania already faces a shortage of drinking water, and luxury resorts will worsen the situation, with plans to divert water from rivers.
Displacement and limited access: Local residents fear losing their lands, access to beaches and lagoons, and their traditional way of life.
Security risk: Sazani still contains unexploded ordnance from the military past, which poses a threat to construction.
Lack of transparency, fiscal exemptions and geopolitical suspicions
Negotiations for the Sazan project have been conducted in secret, without the public or parliament involved, raising accusations of a lack of transparency. Many believe the Albanian government is using the deal to curry favor with former US President Donald Trump, a claim Prime Minister Edi Rama has denied.
Legal changes: The Albanian government has reportedly changed laws to allow luxury construction in protected areas for "strategic" investors.
Tax Exemptions: Affinity Partners will not pay taxes during construction, while the Albanian government will cover the costs for basic infrastructure.
Geopolitical dimension: Some analysts see this as part of a broader strategy by the global right, using Albania as a model for similar projects in sensitive regions.
Albanian tourism: great growth, even greater challenges
Albania welcomed nearly 12 million visitors in 2024, experiencing an unprecedented tourism boom. While this growth brings economic benefits, it is putting great pressure on natural resources and public infrastructure.
Mass tourism vs. luxury tourism: The Minister of Tourism, Mirela Kumbaro, has stated that Albania cannot compete with mass tourism and should focus on "quality and not quantity."
Infrastructure costs: The government has pledged to provide water, electricity, and sanitation for the giant projects.
Despite the guarantees given by Kushner's team to respect the environment, his projects in Albania continue to be under close scrutiny, as an example of the tension between economic development, nature protection and foreign political influence /Adapted from "Pamphlet" by "Eu Balkan News.
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