The widow in the international spotlight, NYT reports protests in Albania

Plans for building luxury resorts along the Adriatic Sea have long troubled environmentalists, but these projects have now turned into a collision point that reflects broader discontent with the government.

For years, these plans -- a luxury hotel complex worth $1.4 billion on an island off the coast -- and another project on an ecologically sensitive league area -- have sparked concerns about conservation of the environment and lack of transparency”, the article says.

Full article in The New York Times:

Protests have increased in recent days against the plans of Jared Kouchner, the son-in-law of President Trump, to build luxury properties in an ecologically sensitive part of the Albanian coast.

Protests, held in capital and coastal cities, have become a symbol of widespread discontent in Albania, which has long been one of Europe's poorest countries. Another protest was scheduled for Tuesday evening in Tirana.

For years, these plans -- a luxury hotel complex worth $1.4 billion on an island off the coast -- and another project on an ecologically sensitive league area -- have sparked concerns about conservation and lack of transparency.

Albania's prime minister, Edi Rama, has repeatedly described these projects as an opportunity to expand the country's growing tourist economy and attract foreign investors.

On Tuesday, Rama wrote in a post on social networks that these projects represent “ambien to create the most attractive destination on this side of the Mediterranean”.

He has dismissed claims by opponents of the project that Jared Kouchner, who is one of several investors involved, has received preferential treatment to gain his father-in-law's favor, Donald Trump.

The White House directed questions to Kouchner's investment firm, Affinity Partners, which has been financed mainly by funds from the Saudi Arab government.

Affinity Partners referred to the questions of the Sanzan Real Estate Development LLC, the development company of both projects in Albania.

“We are excited about the possibility of creating a world-class destination and implementing one of the biggest private investments in the region's history,” said in a statement Asher Abehsera, chairman of the project development company.

He said their focus includes “responsible management” of the environment.

Not everyone in Albania agrees.

Taulant Bino, head of the Albanian Ornithological Association and opponents of the project, indicated that he enjoys the fact that opposition to this project is no longer limited to environmentalists, but has spread to broader levels of society.

There are more or less people from all groups,” he said.

“finds people on the left, right and people with different religious beliefs. ”

One of the problems, he says, is that no environmental impact reports have been published, as is commonly required for such development projects.

Since the end of April, Bino said protesters have gathered at the site where one of the developments is planned, in Zvrinec, a coastal area of about 1,000 hectares housing a large variety of birds, including flamingos and pelicians. /Periscope