Protests continue in Albania over tourism project by Jared Kushner's firm

Protests have entered their third day in Albania against a 1.6 billion dollar luxury tourism project backed by Affinity Partners, an investment firm led by Jared Kushner. The development is planned for ecologically sensitive sites, including the island of Sazan and coastal wetlands in Zvernec, known habitats for Mediterranean monk seals and over 200 bird species. Environmental organizations and local residents have criticized the government for a lack of transparency and the absence of public consultation regarding the project. Reports indicate that construction equipment and security fencing have already been deployed at the sites. While demonstrators express concerns over environmental damage and restricted land access, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama defends the initiative as a strategic investment for the country's economy. Security forces in Tirana have utilized water cannons to disperse crowds amid the escalating tension. The opposition has further accused the administration of improper management throughout the project's approval process.