The New York Times has echoed the protests held in recent days against construction in the Zvërnec protected area. The newspaper writes that opposition to planned developments on the Albanian coast has become a flashpoint of broader dissatisfaction with the government.
According to the article, at the center of the debate are two projects worth around $1.4 billion: a luxury hotel complex on the island of Sazan and another development in the Zvërnec area, near the lagoon and protected ecosystems.
Environmentalists and civil society organizations have raised concerns about the potential impact on the environment, as well as the lack of transparency in the approval procedures.
Prime Minister Edi Rama has consistently defended the projects, considering them an opportunity to expand the country's tourism industry and attract foreign investment. In a reaction on social media, Rama declared that it is about "the ambition to create the most attractive destination on this side of the Mediterranean."
On the other hand, opponents of the projects have raised suspicions of preferential treatment for investors due to Kushner's family ties to President Trump. Prime Minister Rama has rejected these claims.
The New York Times article emphasizes that the debate over these projects has now transcended environmental issues, becoming a symbol of broader political and social discontent in Albania.
