In Tirana, Albania, thousands of protesters gathered on June 20, 2026, calling for government change. The protests initially opposed a luxury resort project but have grown into broader demonstrations against the government. The tension has intensified toward the administration of Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama. Protesters demand the resignation of both Rama and opposition leader Sali Berisha, citing longstanding corruption since the end of the communist regime in 1991.
The protests gained momentum following plans for a luxury resort by Jared Kushner and his associates. The project intends to build two resort properties via Affinity Partners, adding around 10,000 hotel rooms and villas to Albania’s coast. One site, Sazan Island, housed a former Soviet military base. The other location in Zvërnec near the Vjosa-Narta protected landscape shelters monk seals, flamingos, and nesting sea turtles.
Former Albanian ambassador to the U.S. and U.N., Agim Nesho, told Fox News Digital that the protests are not against Trump’s family or foreign investors like Kushner, who plan to invest $4 billion in Albania, creating jobs. Nesho criticized Rama, saying that after years of alleged electoral fraud and corruption, Rama’s time is running out.
Journalist Eric Czuleger, Editor-in-Chief of The Under Report, has witnessed the protests firsthand. He explained that Rama initially denied the protests, claiming they were small in scale. As the protests grew, international media coverage compelled the Albanian media to address them. Rama then labeled the protests as a ‘hybrid war’ driven by foreign influences.
Despite the protests, Rama supports the investment projects. He issued a statement to Fox News Digital defending the projects and dismissing misinformation. Rama stated that Sazan Island is state property with plans for environmental evaluations. He also clarified that claims of protected status removal for investment are untrue.
The European Parliament has urged the Albanian government to halt construction on protected lands, highlighting growing concerns over environmental impacts. A source close to the project mentioned that some online information is fabricated, coming from outside Albania.
Asher Abehsera, Chair of Sazan Real Estate Development LLC, emphasized the project aims to celebrate Albania’s natural beauty, create jobs, and uphold environmental responsibility. He acknowledged that the project’s future rests with Albania and its people.
Protests continue, evoking mixed feelings. Czuleger noted that some fear nothing will change, while others worry about negative outcomes if leadership changes. He highlighted that the protest movement seeks clarity and sustained pressure for change.
Albanian actor and artist Florjan Binaj stated that these protests are the largest since 1991, marking a powerful atmosphere. Binaj is committed to protesting until Rama resigns, hoping for an alternative government.
Nesho underscored the frustration with the current government, citing widespread corruption as intolerable. The only resolution, according to Nesho, is the resignation of Rama’s government and early elections under international supervision.
The Rama government has not directly addressed protesters’ concerns.