Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has confirmed that negotiations over the Sazan Island investment involving Jared Kushner are still ongoing, revealing that the project has been significantly revised with fewer construction plans.
Speaking from Vlora, Rama stated that the Albanian government has not yet finalized the agreement for the development of Sazan Island. He emphasized that the state will be a شریک in a joint company that will invest in and manage the island, ensuring public interest remains part of the project.
According to Rama, the initial construction plans have been scaled down. “The project has changed. There will be very little construction,” he said, suggesting a more environmentally cautious and less intensive development approach compared to earlier expectations.
Addressing public concerns, Rama rejected claims that the island has been sold to the family of former U.S. President Donald Trump, including Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump. He clarified that the island will not be turned into an exclusive or closed resort. “It will not be a privileged reserve. The island will remain accessible and not restricted to a select group,” he stressed, aiming to counter speculation about privatization.
The discussion also touched on broader tourism issues in Vlora as Albania prepares for the summer season. Rama warned local business operators about the risks of overpricing, cautioning that unbalanced prices compared to service quality could drive tourists away. He urged businesses to maintain fair pricing standards to sustain the growing tourism demand.
In addition, the prime minister called for improved cleanliness in the city, noting that responsibility should not fall solely on municipal authorities. Businesses were encouraged to maintain areas beyond their premises to enhance the overall visitor experience.
Rama also pointed to shifting investment trends in Vlora, suggesting that parking infrastructure is becoming more profitable than traditional hotel investments. He noted a steady increase in investors, property buyers, and tourists, predicting that real estate values in the coastal city will continue to rise over the next five years.