TIRANA, Albania: Thousands of people in Tirana protested this week against a plan to build a luxury resort on a sensitive stretch of the Adriatic coast, linked to a company connected to Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law.

Kushner's firm, Affinity Partners, is developing the resort, valued at 1.4 billion euros (US$1.6 billion). It would be built on an island and along an untouched coastline near the Vjosa-Narta protected area in southern Albania. This wetland is home to flamingos, seals, and sea turtles.

Environmental groups oppose the project, saying it could damage hundreds of hectares of clean beaches and disturb thousands of flamingos that nest or pass through the area each year.

Protests began last week after construction work and heavy machines arrived at the site, and then spread to larger demonstrations in Tirana.

Protesters gathered again outside Prime Minister Edi Rama's office, holding pink inflatable flamingos and shouting slogans like "revolution" and "stop the project." Some also demanded that Rama resign.

One protester, writer Lindita Komani, said Albania belongs to its people, not corrupt politicians, and that they should decide how their land and natural heritage are used.

Rama has defended the project, while developers say they will manage it responsibly and protect the environment.

Economy Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said environmental studies are being prepared and that the project must comply with all applicable laws and protect local wildlife.

She added that both European rules and Albanian laws are in place to prevent damage to the protected lagoon and nearby habitats.

Kushner first announced the resort plan in 2024 as part of a larger investment that also included a project in Belgrade, Serbia. He later dropped the Serbia project after public protests.