Thousands of Albanians protest against Rama and the government; Austrian media: Dua Lipa backs movement in Albania

Dua Lipa has expressed support for the protests in Albania, which were sparked by a planned project to build luxury residences by the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump within a nature reserve. On the “Service95 Book Club” podcast, the 30-year-old British singer, whose parents are from Kosovo and Albania, said yesterday that it was “concerning” how a government “can just change a law to bypass environmental regulations”.

At the centre of the opposition are plans to build a luxury hotel in the Zvernec Nature Reserve, along Albania’s south-western coast. The project is linked to US President Trump’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, and her husband, Jared Kushner, and was first made public in 2024. Protests against the tourist complex began after bulldozers and barbed wire appeared on the beaches of Zvernec at the end of May.

The plans also envisage turning the uninhabited island of Sazan into an attractive holiday destination. The island once served as a secret military base during the communist regime. Meanwhile, the Vjose-Narte Lagoon, on the southern Adriatic coast, is an important resting area for migratory birds and flamingos.

For several weeks, thousands of citizens have gathered every evening on the streets of Tirana to protest. Prime Minister Edi Rama has also become a target of the demonstrators.

For a long time, the Albanian government has sought to strengthen the country’s economy through tourism development. At the same time, the Trump family has made numerous investments in luxury projects in various countries around the world. According to critics, not only Trump’s sons, but also Jared Kushner and his wife, are using Trump’s presidency to advance their business interests.