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Tens of Thousands Rally in Tirana Over Trump‑Linked Resort as Clashes Intensify

Protests have pushed Albania into legal and EU scrutiny over fast‑tracked approvals for a coastal resort project

Protesters take part in a rally against plans for a luxury construction project linked to U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, in Tirana, Albania, Saturday, July 4, 2026.(AP Photo/Hameraldi Agolli)
Protesters take part in a rally against plans for a luxury construction project linked to U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, in Tirana, Albania, Saturday, July 4, 2026.(AP Photo/Hameraldi Agolli)
Protesters chant slogans during a rally against plans for a luxury construction project linked to U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, in Tirana, Albania, Saturday, July 4, 2026.(AP Photo/Hameraldi Agolli)
A protester takes part in a rally against plans for a luxury construction project linked to U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, in Tirana, Albania, Saturday, July 4, 2026.(AP Photo/Hameraldi Agolli)

Overview

  • The mass rally, which peaked on Saturday, drew tens of thousands to Tirana on the 35th consecutive night of protests against the planned resort.
  • Clashes escalated at the largest demonstration with police using tear gas, pepper spray and water cannon, police reporting 15 officers injured and dozens of detentions.
  • The campaign began after barbed wire and bulldozers appeared in late May at protected coastal sites and targets a $4.6 billion project publicly linked to Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner.
  • Albania’s anti‑corruption prosecutor opened formal probes and courts ordered asset seizures; a Tirana court on Sunday freed 19 detained protesters with some placed under reporting or house arrest.
  • The protests have drawn EU warnings over environmental reviews for protected wetlands and could complicate Albania’s EU accession progress while mobilising large diaspora support.