Adrian Bulari, Albanian activist living in Greece
“O popull, sa shumë gjëra bëhen në emrin tënd…”
(People, so many things are done in your name…)
Whether it is the last words of a political prisoner in the film “General Gramafoni”, or used as a commentary on current events unfolding in Albania, this phrase conveys the same sense of despair regarding the lack of democracy and the trampling of justice.
Who will benefit?
This article discusses the plans of Jared Kushner (Donald Trump’s son-in-law) and his wife, Ivanka Trump (the U.S. president’s daughter), to proceed with the construction of luxury hotels on Sazan Island, in the Zvernets region, and on the Narta Lagoon.
This is a massive project, both in terms of scale and cost. According to reports in the Albanian press, a total of more than $4 billion is expected to be invested over the course of the project, covering an area of approximately 45,000 hectares.
It is important to note that the project’s investment fund is Affinity Partners (2021), an investment management firm founded by Jared Kushner in Miami after his departure from the White House. It was initially financed with capital from the United Arab Emirates, a fact that led many to argue that this is a quid pro quo business move, given the relationships Kushner developed as Trump’s advisor in the Middle East.
The circle surrounding a venture capital fund—which, according to Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, will benefit thousands of people—appears to be narrowing, as the construction company awarded the project (Atlantic Incubation Partners LLC) has capital ties to Kushner’s company.
Simply put, we are seeing a three-way connection between the investment fund, the construction company, and the Albanian prime minister. In other words, this project affects the Albanian people, but the leading roles are played by private business interests and political power.
A strategic investment?
From Kushner’s perspective, the goal is to increase his capital and satisfy his close political and investment circle. But what is the Albanian prime minister’s objective?
From the very beginning, Edi Rama spoke of a strategic investment that would boost Albania’s economy and create more than 1,000 jobs for locals. However, he failed to mention that such a project would destroy a Natura 2000 protected area, violating international conventions. According to the prime minister’s latest interviews in both the Albanian and international media, his stance on the project’s completion and its importance remains stubbornly unchanged. But are any of Rama’s claims true?
The project was approved by the Albanian prime minister as a strategically important investment; which means that there was not even a call for tenders issued. And it certainly was not a hasty decision, since discussions regarding investments by Kushner and Ivanka Trump had been taking place since July 2024—almost two years prior. Although it is supposed to be a huge investment opportunity, the Albanian media has never reported on it to this day. Given the timeframe and the secrecy surrounding the issue, it becomes obvious that this was a decision made deliberately without the people’s knowledge.
Does the argument about job creation and economic growth hold water? There is no concrete information regarding the overall size of the workforce that will be needed for the project, whether the jobs will be permanent or temporary, and what kind of jobs they will be.
Albania’s economic development began around 2013–14 and the country continues to grow significantly even today. In fact, tourism accounts for 20% of its GDP according to INSTAT (the Albanian Statistical Office).. Since tourism is so important for the country’s development, why is it being privatized (part of Albanian territory is being handed over to Kushner and other investors)?
A massive environmental blow
As the debate unfolds, bulldozers -escorted by armed members of a private security firm- have begun to work on the project. This development will have a massive environmental impact, as this area is home to over 2,500 recorded animal species, 70 of which are endangered. The damage to the local environment will be irreversible, since a project of this size will be a permanent source of contamination, not only during construction but also during operation. With the Albanian prime minister’s full knowledge and agreement, one of Europe’s most pristine habitats will be lost. Rama’s word for word response to these arguments was: “You want flamingos? Are you sure they want you, too?”
Albania is experiencing an unprecedented situation—not so much in terms of a crisis of democracy or the trampling of the will of the people. Having begun as a spontaneous response to environmentally destructive plans, the movement organized itself and named itself the Flamingo Movement, after the rare bird that inhabits the beaches of the Vlorë region.
Broadening the Demands
The movement is no longer focused only on environmental destruction and the Kushner-Ivanka project, but is moving toward more widespread demands against corruption and attacks on democratic rights, and the absence of free elections. Notably, on a website run by people of the movement (FlamingoRevolution.org) there are ongoing updates on events and protests. The movement demands:
· The resignation of the Rama government.
· The formation of a technocratic/transitional government that will organize free and fair elections.
· Cancellation of the project in Zvernec.
· Free and fair elections with full democratic guarantees.
Alongside the anger against the project in Zvernec, there is also a clear desire for political change among the Albanian people. There is a long-standing dysfunction of the Albanian state since the end of the Hoxha regime, combined with Edi Rama’s 13 years as prime minister, during which even the most basic needs of the Albanian people have not been met (the vast majority of the people in rural areas lack even a stable water and electricity supply system). The current events are only further fuelling an already volatile situation, in which the oppressed layers of the Albanian society wish more and more to have a say about the country’s future.
Colonial Tourism
It is important to note that similar projects have been completed in other countries as well, such as Greece, Serbia, Montenegro, and Cyprus. This is a common colonialist tactic employed by capital to take over regions under the guise of tourism, investment, and development. These are not random examples, as Southern Europe has been targeted because of its natural beauty and cheap land, but mainly because of the political situation in many countries ruled by governments that are ready to sell everything to the big capital, regardless the will of the people, condemning them to lose their heritage as well as their dignity and freedom.
In solidarity with the slogans of the Albanian people and in opposition to all forms of oligarchy, we declare: We do not belong to you!
