FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The American media outlet "Politico" has paid attention to developments surrounding the Zvërnec project. "Politico" reports that SPAK has launched investigations into changes in the status of protected areas and land ownership in Sazan and Vjosa-Nartë. The article also highlights the growing protests by citizens and environmental organizations against the project, while noting that Jared Kushner and his company have not commented on the investigation...
The Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) is investigating a luxury tourist project linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, as protests by citizens and environmental organizations against its development continue.
The project includes the uninhabited island of Sazan in the Adriatic and several hundred hectares of the Vjosa-Narte protected landscape, a sensitive coastal wetland area home to flamingos, seals and sea turtles that use the area for nesting.
SPAK confirmed on Monday that it has opened an investigation into changes made in 2024 to the area's protection status and land ownership, decisions that created the opportunity for tourism investment. The prosecution did not provide further comment by the time of publication.
Kushner runs the private equity firm Affinity Partners, which owns a multibillion-dollar real estate portfolio. He also serves as Trump's special envoy for peace and is involved in diplomatic negotiations related to Gaza, Iran and the war in Ukraine. Critics have repeatedly raised concerns about the mixing of his business interests with political roles.
In August 2024, Kushner presented Affinity Partners' plans to transform the area into a luxury resort, while in early 2026 he visited the location along with his wife, Ivanka Trump.
In a recent interview with POLITICO, Prime Minister Edi Rama confirmed that talks between the Albanian government and Kushner are ongoing. The project envisages the construction of around 10,000 hotel rooms.
Kushner and Affinity Partners did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the investigation.
Speaking before Albanian parliamentarians on Monday, Rama denied that the project affects a protected nature reserve and stated that the final proposal has not yet been submitted, while the environmental impact study has not been completed.
SPAK was established in 2019 with the support of the European Union and the United States as part of the justice reform. The institution operates independently of the judiciary and has investigated, prosecuted, and convicted a number of high-ranking officials from all political wings. According to several independent polls, it is considered the most trusted institution in the country.
Protests organized by citizens and environmental organizations began in late May after the project developers erected high barbed wire fences in the Zvernec area, in southern Albania, preventing residents and tourists from accessing the beach.
On Sunday evening, protesters, citizens, and representatives of environmental organizations gathered in front of government institutions and demanded a halt to the project, protection of the area from construction, and even the resignation of the prime minister.
Another protest has been announced in Tirana, while on June 6 a rally is expected to be held near the project area near Vlora, as calls for a reaction from civil society increase.
Following Saturday's protests, footage was released showing private security guards violently assaulting a protester and dragging him near a cliff, while threatening other people who were trying to remove the fences and stop the work.
Following the incident, Albanian authorities revoked the licenses of two private security companies. One guard was arrested and remanded in custody. Meanwhile, about 15 protesters have been prosecuted, while the local police chief has been dismissed from his post.
"I want to make Albania a country that is an admired destination in the region and this project is part of this effort," Rama declared on Monday.
Albania aims to join the European Union by 2030 and has already opened all negotiation chapters. On Friday, leaders of the 27 EU member states will meet in Montenegro with Western Balkan leaders, including Rama, to discuss the bloc's enlargement.
Affinity Partners withdrew from a major development project in Serbia in 2025, following controversy and investigations launched by local anti-corruption authorities. / Adapted from “ Politico ”
SPAKU u keput ne bythe. Do qe te beje nje tymuese. Le te zghidhe inceneratoret, tunelin e llogarase, AKSHIN, hipotekat , etj.
Pse nuk ka ky surrati cifut toka e troje per te ndertuar ne Florida, California, Izrael e gjetke? Ku i gjeni more keta, ku i gjeni, do na zaptojne vendin shume shpejt.
Ku u qave? Te kadiu. Kush ta beri? Kadiu.