ALBAWABA- Large-scale protests have erupted across Albania for several consecutive days, as public opposition intensifies against a multibillion-dollar luxury tourism project planned for Sazan Island and parts of the Zvërnec Peninsula within the Vjosa-Narta protected coastal zone.
Demonstrations, which began in late May and expanded into early June, have drawn crowds in the capital Tirana and along the southern coast near Vlora, with participants denouncing what they describe as the privatization of environmentally sensitive land and restricted public access to coastal areas.
The project envisions a high-end resort complex featuring thousands of hotel rooms, private villas, a yacht marina, restaurants, spas, and supporting infrastructure. Estimates place the investment between $1.5 billion and $4 billion, with plans also including the repurposing of Cold War-era military bunkers and tunnels on Sazan Island into tourist attractions.
The development is being led by Affinity Partners, in partnership with other international investors, including Qatari-linked entities. The project received preliminary “strategic investor” status from the Albanian government in 2024–2025, allowing accelerated approval procedures and potential incentives.
Public anger intensified after reports that fencing and preparatory works began at key sites, limiting access to coastal areas considered part of a protected ecological zone. The Vjosa-Narta landscape is widely recognized for its wetlands and biodiversity, including flamingos, sea turtles, and migratory bird populations.
Protesters have staged repeated rallies under slogans such as “Albania is not for sale,” often carrying symbolic imagery including inflatable flamingos, to highlight environmental concerns. Some demonstrations have led to clashes with police and private security forces, with reports of detentions and disciplinary action against local police officials.
The project has also drawn political controversy due to its high-profile international connections, including figures linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ivanka Trump, whose earlier comments describing Sazan Island contributed to public backlash in Albania.
Prime Minister Edi Rama has strongly defended the development, presenting it as a flagship foreign investment that will boost tourism, create jobs, and support Albania’s long-term economic transformation. He has rejected claims that the project is finalized in its current form, while offering to engage directly with protesters.
At the same time, Albania’s anti-corruption prosecution body, SPAK, has launched an investigation into land ownership transfers, zoning changes, and potential irregularities surrounding the project. Authorities have also reportedly frozen nearly €200 million in assets linked to associated companies, adding legal uncertainty to the development.
