Dua Lipa Joins Albanian Protests Over Kushner-Linked Resort

On 14 July 2026, pop star Dua Lipa appeared on the Service95 Book Club podcast with Albanian author Lea Ypi and called the ongoing protests in Tirana “inspiring.” The demonstrations, now in their sixth week, oppose a €1.6 billion luxury-hotel and villa complex backed by Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump. Lipa’s remarks were met with enthusiasm from protest leaders and amplified international attention to the dispute.

The Straits Times

The development, first unveiled in 2024, envisions a massive hotel on Sazan Island—Albania’s only island—and 10,000 villas along the Zvërnec peninsula, both designated nature reserves. In December 2024 the Albanian parliament amended legislation to permit construction in environmentally sensitive zones, a move critics say lacked public consultation. The project is promoted as a driver of jobs and “long-term value for local communities,” while opponents warn of irreversible damage to rare Adriatic bird habitats and broader ecological systems.

The Guardian

Conservation leader Aleksander Trajce, head of the Protection and Preservation of the Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA), said the government is now conducting an environmental impact study but noted that work on Zvërnec has already caused “environmental crime” and called for accountability. Developers, speaking through a press release, reiterated a commitment to “responsible stewardship, environmental enhancement, job creation and creating long-term value for local communities.”

The Guardian

Protesters have broadened their demands to include the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, citing perceived corruption and the opaque amendment of environmental law. Several EU members have warned that failure to uphold standards could jeopardize Albania’s accession talks, which aim for EU membership by 2030.

France 24

• “I find it so inspiring to see how much people really care.” — Dua Lipa

The Guardian

• “What I actually find concerning is the principle that the government could just change the law to remove the environmental protection without any kind of public consultation,” — Dua Lipa

The Guardian

• “It was a very powerful statement. A lot of especially younger Albanians, who see her as an idol, have been inspired,” — Aleksander Trajce

The Guardian

• “I am confident that her voice will help bring greater international attention to this fight and amplify the concerns of the people protesting in Tirana.” — Besjana Gurri

The Straits Times