Story perspectives

Tens of Thousands Protest Ivanka-Kushner Luxury Project in Albania

8/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Albanian protesters demonstrate against a luxury tourist complex planned by Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner.
The rallies have grown from a few hundred participants to tens of thousands in Albania’s 2.5 million-person population.
Protesters chant nightly slogans in Skanderbeg Square demanding control over land-use decisions.
Albanian flags and KLA symbols frequently appear alongside American flags during the rallies.
Organizers link the project to broader issues of corruption, capitalism, and foreign exploitation.

History

Historical Context

After the 1999 NATO airbase opened in Tirana, the post-communist boom expanded the tertiary sector—now employing over 68% of workers—and drew foreign hotel projects such as the Tirana International Hotel. Public opposition during Prime Minister Sali Berisha’s tenure highlighted a recurring distrust of external capital in Albania’s capital in the city.

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Story summary

Albanian protesters demonstrate against a luxury tourist complex planned by Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner.
The rallies have grown from a few hundred participants to tens of thousands in Albania’s 2.5 million-person population.
Protesters chant nightly slogans in Skanderbeg Square demanding control over land-use decisions.
Albanian flags and KLA symbols frequently appear alongside American flags during the rallies.
Organizers link the project to broader issues of corruption, capitalism, and foreign exploitation.

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