FLASH
Shkruar nga Emmet Lyons
Thousands of citizens have taken to the streets to protest against a luxury tourism project in the protected areas of Sazan and Pishe Poro-Narte. Activists accuse the government of a lack of transparency, while investors present the project as an economic development opportunity. What began as a battle for environmental protection has turned into a broader movement against corruption and the way of governance...
Thousands of Albanians have taken to the streets of Tirana for 22 consecutive days, in a wave of protests that was initially sparked by concerns about a luxury tourism project backed by Jared Kushner in one of the country's most important natural areas.
However, what started as an opposition to a controversial investment has gradually transformed into a broader civic movement against corruption, lack of transparency, and the way of governance in Albania.
At the center of the debate is the project for the development of a luxury tourist complex on the island of Sazan and along the Adriatic coast, in the protected area of Pishe Poro-Narte.
According to preliminary planning documents reviewed by CBS News, the project envisions the construction of about 800 hotel rooms and suites, luxury villas, a golf course, casino, water park, as well as residential units in the form of apartments and townhouses.
Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, has been named as one of the investors involved in the project. In an attempt to clarify his role, CBS News reached out to Kushner's company, Affinity Partners.
The company referred questions to Sazan Real Estate Development, while a representative of the latter stated that it represents all investors involved in the project, who are participating in their personal capacity.
According to a statement given to CBS News on June 18, Sazan Real Estate Development executives emphasized that the project is still in the design phase and that the team is continuing to refine its vision and dimensions.
They argue that the process is being developed by paying attention to environmental management and preserving the natural beauty of the area, while adding that the investment could contribute to strengthening Albania's position as a tourist destination of global importance.
The planning documents also shed light on other investors financially involved in the project. Among them is the Qatar-based Al Khayyat Asset Group, led by brothers Moutaz and Ramez Al Khayyat, billionaire businessmen of Syrian origin with known ties to the Qatari royal family.
According to international media reports, the Al Khayyat family also had significant business contacts and interests in the United States. A representative for Sazan Real Estate confirmed to CBS News that the Al Khayyat brothers were involved in the project. Meanwhile, other corporate documents show that Sazan Real Estate was originally registered in Qatar and that Al Khayyat Asset Group is listed as one of its partners.
According to documents reviewed by CBS News, Sazan Real Estate also appears as the parent company of Zvërnec South Adriatic Development, the company that according to local reports holds development permits for planned construction on the island of Sazan and in the coastal area of Pishe Poro-Nartë.
These same documents suggest that Zvërnec South Adriatic Development is controlled through a complex structure that includes five companies registered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
For Albanian activists, this complicated ownership structure, combined with the lack of public information about the decision-making process, has increased suspicion and fueled civic discontent.
According to them, the problem is not limited to the tourism project, but is related to a broader governance model where decisions with major public impact are made without consultation and without sufficient transparency.
For this reason, the protests have begun to take on broader political and social dimensions, being considered by many participants as among the largest civic mobilizations since the fall of the communist regime in 1991.
"There was no public consultation. No one was informed. One day we saw bulldozers entering the area, opening roads, cutting down trees and damaging the sand dunes," Aleksandër Trajçe, head of the environmental organization PPNEA, told CBS News.
According to him, the local community was unaware of the size and nature of the project until the interventions on the ground began. On the other hand, Prime Minister Edi Rama has continuously defended the project, arguing that it can bring significant economic benefits to the country and attract high-value foreign investments.
The government considers the development of luxury tourism as one of the main pillars of its economic strategy for the coming years. However, the debate has taken place in parallel with other corruption allegations involving the government.
The allegations against Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, one of the most important figures in the government cabinet, have attracted particular attention. Although parliament has blocked her arrest, the case has contributed to increasing public distrust of institutions.
Meanwhile, a SPAK spokesperson confirmed to CBS News that the institution has opened an investigation regarding a development project, but clarified that the investigation is not related to companies associated with Jared Kushner.
During a visit to the Zvërnec area, CBS News journalists reported that they did not observe the presence of heavy machinery or active construction work, except for a few vehicle tracks on the beach.
Protesters claim that activity on the ground has slowed down due to public backlash and ongoing citizen pressure. However, environmental organizations argue that the first damage has already been caused.
According to local PPNEA representatives, cases of damage to natural habitats have been documented, including the destruction of at least one sea turtle nest during interventions with heavy equipment.
While protests continue and public debate remains heated, the leaders of Sazan Real Estate Development have stated that the future of the project will ultimately be determined by Albanian institutions and the will of the Albanian people.
However, for many citizens, the issue of Sazan and Pishe Poro-Narta has transcended the boundaries of a tourist project, becoming a symbol of the demand for more transparency, accountability and protection of the public interest. / Adapted from "Pamphlet" By " CBS News"
Lini një Përgjigje