Scenarios involving Donald Trump‘s son-in-law in investments in Albania are being categorically denied, according to statements made by the country’s Prime Minister, Edi Rama. More specifically, Rama believes that the protests against the planned construction of a luxury resort on an island off the country’s Adriatic coast are driven by misinformation, and he firmly rejects claims that a protected area was sold to investors, including Donald Trump’s son-in-law.
“The fact is that no deal has been closed regarding Sazan Island,” he assured in an interview granted to the German news agency in Berlin. “It’s all lies,” he insists. According to Rama, his government is still negotiating a potential public-private partnership for the construction of what could become the country’s largest luxury resort on Sazan Island.
Rama: “Albania has become a platform for all the anger against Trump across the entire world”
He confirms that Jared Kushner, Mr. Trump’s son-in-law, is among the potential investors. However, he categorically denies — calling them fake news — claims that “the Kushners acquired the island” or that “Albania sold the island.” “Albania has become a platform for all the anger against Trump across the entire world,” Mr. Rama argues.
Major protests erupt across the country
Albania has seen massive protests for weeks against the planned investment. Thousands of people have participated in demonstrations in the capital, Tirana, where clashes with police broke out. Beyond Sazan, the plan also includes transferring to private hands a small peninsula near the town of Zvërnec, which separates the Narta Lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. This is a protected area, designated as a habitat for birds and other wildlife species.
Rama states that preliminary research work there has been temporarily suspended due to “pressure,” yet insists that the investment will move forward. According to the Albanian Prime Minister, no plans have yet been submitted for either of the two locations. He emphasizes that environmental impact assessments are a prerequisite before any development can proceed.
What the Rama government is arguing
Environmental advocacy organizations have criticized amendments to Albanian legislation on protected areas that were approved in 2024. The Rama government says these were “clarifications” regarding the status of protected areas. However, the EU assessed that the legislative changes weakened the legal framework for environmental protection. Rama rejects this position. He stresses that there is “no chance” that a country on the EU accession path would approve projects that are not in “full compliance” with European environmental standards.
