Protests have erupted in Tirana, the capital city of Albania, in response to plans to develop a luxury tourist site financed by Jared Kushner and investors from the Gulf. The cost of the project is estimated to exceed $4 billion.

For over three weeks, demonstrators have gathered peacefully, drawing international attention. While some Americans view these protests as resistance against President Trump and wealthy investors, the core issues for Albanians are more local.

Many protesters are concerned with long-standing political issues. Elis Kodra, a local protester, explained, “We are protesting against everything else.” He criticized the cycle of politicians who have dominated Albania since the fall of Communism, alleging they prioritize personal gains over citizens’ grievances.

Despite international narratives, the protesters are focused on domestic issues like political corruption and economic hardships, rather than global political controversies.