Thousands of people have flooded the streets across Albania to protest against a major coastal development project linked to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. The demonstrations, among the largest seen so far, come as opposition builds against plans to construct luxury resorts along the country’s Adriatic coastline.
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In the capital Tirana, thousands gathered peacefully on Saturday evening. Earlier the same day, several hundred people also protested in Zvernec. Adding to the demonstrations, Albanian Australian swimmer Eva Buzo swam 15 kilometres (9 miles) around the disputed island, protesting against development plans in the protected area.
The government says the project would be a major boost for Albania, helping it transform into a high-end tourism destination while also supporting its goal of joining the European Union.
But the scheme, set across an abandoned island and a stretch of coastline in southern Albania, has triggered strong opposition from environmental groups and critics of long-time Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama.
