Albanian police fire water cannon as protests against Trump-linked luxury resort continue

Albanian Police Deploy Water Cannons Amid Ongoing Protests Against Trump-Linked Luxury Resort

Escalating Tensions at Parliament as Demonstrators Challenge Development Plans

Albanian police fire water cannon as protests - Clashes broke out between law enforcement and protesters outside Albania’s parliament on Thursday, marking the second such incident this week. The demonstrators, opposing a luxury resort development tied to US President Donald Trump’s family, gathered in force to confront lawmakers and prevent them from entering the building. Hundreds of activists were met with lines of riot police, who pushed the crowd back and triggered a series of confrontations. Journalists on-site reported that the use of pepper spray and a water cannon was employed to disperse the protesters, with some individuals attempting to breach the police lines.

The unrest has intensified since late May, when barbed-wire fencing and bulldozers appeared on beaches near Zvernec, a coastal town in southern Albania. This action sparked widespread outrage, as environmentalists and local residents viewed the development as a threat to a protected nature reserve. The project, linked to Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner, has become a symbol of broader frustrations with perceived corruption and the government’s handling of major infrastructure projects.

A Controversial Vision for the Adriatic Coast

The proposed resort, which spans two key areas, includes a coastal development in the Narta Lagoon—a wildlife reserve—and a smaller resort on the uninhabited island of Sazan, a former communist-era military base. Supporters argue the venture could transform Albania’s economy, positioning it as a premier destination in the European tourism market. However, opponents warn that the project risks damaging the island’s ecological integrity and eroding public trust in the ruling Socialist Party.

Prime Minister Edi Rama, who has led the government since 2013, has defended the development as essential for Albania’s progress. In a recent interview with Euronews, he asserted that a “hybrid war” was behind the growing discontent, citing coordinated efforts by bots, antisemitic narratives, and external forces to destabilize the country. “It’s a lot of bots, it’s a lot of fake profiles, it’s a lot of attacks coming from all over,” Rama stated. “I have seen it this week on social media. The way it has happened in other countries, I am now seeing it in my own.”

Protesters Demand Transparency and Accountability

Opposition to the project has become a focal point for critics of Rama’s leadership, with demonstrations drawing thousands of participants. Protesters accuse the government of lacking transparency in its decision-making process, arguing that the development should have been subject to more public consultation. “This isn’t just about the environment,” one activist told reporters. “It’s about the Prime Minister’s connection to the project and the hidden deals that have kept him in power for so long.”

As the protests escalate, the government faces mounting pressure to justify the project’s benefits. The resort’s construction is seen as a key step toward Albania’s aspirations for EU membership, a goal that requires strict adherence to environmental regulations. The European Commission recently issued a veiled warning to the Albanian authorities, urging them to act swiftly to avoid jeopardizing their accession talks. “Albania should refrain from actions that could undermine the fulfillment of the closing benchmark,” said Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier, referring to Chapter 27 of the EU accession process, which mandates alignment with environmental standards.

Arrests and Violence Signal Deepening Divides

Two days prior to Thursday’s clashes, six protesters were arrested after throwing eggs at lawmakers’ vehicles, a tactic that has become a recurring feature of the demonstrations. The latest incident saw nine officers injured by projectiles hurled at them, though the number of arrests was not officially confirmed. Amid the chaos, a group of demonstrators smashed the windows of an empty police car in a nearby street, highlighting the emotional intensity of the conflict.

While the government has framed the project as a necessary investment, the opposition views it as a prime example of the corruption they claim to be fighting. The protests, which began in late May, have drawn attention to the tension between economic development and environmental preservation. Critics argue that the government’s rapid approval of the resort, without sufficient public debate, has fueled distrust among citizens. “We’re not against progress,” said a local environmental campaigner. “But we’re against it being done at the expense of our natural heritage and without proper oversight.”

Global Context and Domestic Struggles

The controversy over the Trump-linked resort has drawn comparisons to similar conflicts in other European nations, where political leaders have faced backlash for projects perceived as benefiting elites. Rama’s comments about a “hybrid war” suggest he believes external actors are exploiting public sentiment to challenge his administration. This narrative has resonated with some supporters, who see the protests as a coordinated effort to undermine the government’s authority and delay the EU accession process.

Yet, the protests also reflect deepening domestic tensions. Many activists are concerned that the project, while promising economic gains, will displace local communities and disrupt the fragile ecosystem of the Zvernec area. The Narta Lagoon, a critical habitat for migratory birds, is now under threat, with developers planning to build luxury accommodations in its vicinity. Meanwhile, the island of Sazan, once a military base, is being rebranded as a tourist hotspot, raising questions about its cultural and historical value.

As the demonstrations continue, the government is walking a fine line between appeasing its supporters and addressing the demands of its critics. With the EU’s deadline for alignment with environmental rules approaching, any further delays could impact Albania’s bid for membership. At the same time, the protests have become a rallying point for those who believe the country’s political elite are prioritizing foreign interests over local concerns. The clashes outside the parliament on Thursday underscore the high stakes of this debate, as Albania finds itself at the center of a conflict that blends national identity, economic ambition, and environmental ethics.

The situation remains fluid, with both sides prepared to escalate their efforts. While the government insists the project will bring much-needed tourism revenue, protesters remain undeterred, vowing to continue their demonstrations until they believe the government has been held accountable. The use of water cannons and pepper spray by police has drawn criticism, with some arguing that the force used was excessive. Others, however, see it as a necessary measure to maintain order and protect lawmakers from potential harm.

As the protests persist, the project’s fate hangs in the balance. The outcome will likely depend on how effectively the government can address the concerns of environmentalists and citizens, while also maintaining its push for EU integration. For now, the clashes outside the parliament serve as a reminder of the passionate divide over the resort, which has become more than just a development project—it is a symbol of the country’s struggle to reconcile its past with its future.

"It’s a lot of bots, it’s a lot of fake profiles, it’s a lot of attacks coming from all over," Rama said. "I have seen it this week on social media. The way it has happened in other countries, I am now seeing it in my own country."

With the demonstrations showing no signs of abating, the Albanian government must navigate a complex landscape of public opinion. The project’s success or failure could influence not only the nation’s environmental policies but also its political stability and international reputation. For the protesters, the fight is about preserving their natural surroundings and holding leaders accountable. For the government, it is about securing a place in Europe’s elite circles. The outcome of this battle will shape Albania’s path forward in the coming months.