Thousands Continue Protesting Luxury Resort Plan on Albania’s Sazan Island

July 25, 2026

By Angelina De Coup

Protesters gather in central Tirana as demonstrations against the proposed resort development continue. Protesters gather during the Flamingo Revolution demonstration in Tirana, Albania, on June 13, 2026. Photo: Albinfo / Wikimedia Commons. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

For weeks, thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets of Albania's capital, Tirana, opposing a controversial luxury resort project planned for Sazan Island and the surrounding protected coastline.

What began as an environmental protest has grown into a broader movement involving concerns over government transparency, allegations of corruption and the handling of one of the country's largest proposed tourism developments.

Recent demonstrations have seen clashes between protesters and police, with officers using water cannons and tear gas after objects were thrown outside Parliament.

At a glance

Location	Sazan Island, Albania
Project	Proposed luxury tourism resort
Investment	€1.4 billion (approximately $1.5 billion)

Sazan Island has remained largely undeveloped for decades and is located within a protected marine area. Photo: Hotolmo22 / Wikimedia Commons. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Why are people protesting?

Many demonstrators believe the project threatens one of Albania’s most environmentally important coastal regions. Concerns over the potential impact on protected habitats have become a central part of the opposition, with some participants referring to the demonstrations as the "Flamingo Revolution" - a name inspired by the movement’s focus on protecting Albania’s natural landscapes and wildlife.

Activists have also questioned the approval process behind the development, arguing that more consideration should have been given to the ecological importance of the area.

Government officials, however, have defended the development, saying the investment could create jobs, boost tourism and bring economic benefits to the country.

Flamingo symbols have become associated with the protest movement opposing the proposed Sazan Island development. Photo: Albinfo / Wikimedia Commons. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Who is behind the project?

The proposed development is being led by Jared Kushner’s investment firm, Affinity Partners, which has announced plans for a major luxury tourism project on Sazan Island.

The resort proposal includes luxury hotels, villas, restaurants, and other tourism facilities designed to transform the largely undeveloped island into a high-end Mediterranean destination.

The proposed resort has attracted attention beyond Albania due to the involvement of international investors and figures connected to the development.

Jared Kushner’s involvement has brought additional attention to the project because of his previous role as a senior adviser in the Trump administration and his connection to the Trump family. The development has also raised wider questions about foreign investment in tourism and the future of protected coastal areas.