Thousands Protest in Albania Over Trump Son-in-Law's Resort Development, Citing Environmental Damage

(CNA, Tirana, 4th Combined Foreign Reports) Thousands of Albanian citizens took to the streets in the capital Tirana for the fourth consecutive day today, protesting against the development of a coastal resort by the daughter of U.S. President Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump, and her husband, Jared Kushner, which they claim is damaging a protected area. Some demonstrators held up banners reading "Resign, Prime Minister Edi Rama," while others carried cartoon posters depicting the prime minister handing over keys to Ivanka Trump. Protesters accused the $1.2 billion project, led by Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, of damaging the environment. The plan involves building a luxury resort within the southern coastal Vjosa-Narta protected area. According to AFP, the plan, announced two years ago, aims to develop the former communist-era military base on Sazan Island into a tourist destination. In recent days, protests have intensified following the release of a video showing a man being beaten by private security guards near the protected area, as well as the presence of bulldozers and other equipment on the beach, indicating preparations for construction. Reports state that 22% of Albania's land is designated as protected areas. A newly amended Albanian law on protected areas permits the construction of resort hotels within these zones, a regulation protesters are demanding be repealed. Additionally, protesters are calling for clarification on whether land titles have been illegally sold or encroached upon.