PM says foreign campaign fuelled Albania resort protests

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has accused foreign groups, online activists and political opponents of turning protests over a planned coastal resort into a campaign against his government.

The project is planned for Zvërnec, near the Vjosa-Narta protected area on Albania’s Adriatic coast.

Speaking to Socialist Party lawmakers, Rama said the backlash was not only about the environment, but also about politics and foreign interests.

He said the row grew because the project is linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.

Environmental groups and protesters say the development could damage one of Albania’s most sensitive coastal areas.

Rama rejected the criticism and said any project would follow legal and environmental procedures.