The Shëngjin (Svernëc) region in Albania and Sazan Island in the Vlorë lagoon are at the center of fierce controversy. Serious clashes erupted between police forces and citizens protesting the construction of an ultra-luxury tourist resort. The case has gained international dimensions, as the investment is linked to Donald Trump’s family, while the area includes two historic villages of the Greek minority and protected coastal areas.
Following the injury of a Greek minority member in the clashes, the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a formal démarche, demanding full investigation of the case and accountability. For his part, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama launched direct attacks targeting even the residents of Vlorë.
Serious incidents in Albania – Victim’s shocking testimony
Speaking to SKAI TV about the assault he suffered, the Greek minority victim said it could have been fatal: “They grabbed me and someone came from my side and hit me very hard in the carotid artery. Having been involved in wrestling, I know this blow was potentially fatal. God was with me at that moment. I lost consciousness. They dragged me, pulled me, put me in the car, took me 200 meters down, threatened me, these people were armed.
This land is legally ours, it belonged to our grandfathers, our fathers, and now we’re trying to claim it in turn. This is impossible right now. They’ve put up a fence there and not a single official comes out to explain why we can’t go to our properties. They’ve closed the public road of the village there,” he said.
Shëngjin and Sazan Island, opposite it, are at the center of fierce confrontation. It all started in 2024, when Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner visited the area and planned to build luxury hotel units, villas, marinas and recreational facilities for high-end clients.
A year later, the project worth over one billion euros was labeled a “Strategic Investment” and received the blessings of the Rama government. In January 2026, Ivanka Trump returned to Shëngjin, accompanied by dozens of international architects to implement her ambitious investment plan.
