Dua Lipa backs ‘inspiring’ Albanian protests against Jared Kushner-backed resort development

Dua Lipa has expressed support for ongoing protests in Albania against a proposed luxury resort development backed by investors led by Jared Kushner, describing the demonstrations as “inspiring”.

The singer made the remarks during a conversation with Albanian academic and author Lea Ypi on her Service95 Book Club podcast, as protests against the €1.6 billion ($1.8 billion) project entered their sixth week.

“I find it so inspiring to see how much people really care,” Lipa said.

The development includes plans to build on Sazan Island, Albania’s only island, as well as around 10,000 villas on the nearby Zvërnec peninsula.

Both locations are protected natural areas known for their biodiversity and wildlife habitats.

Lipa also questioned the Albanian government’s decision to amend environmental legislation in 2024 to permit construction in environmentally sensitive areas.

“What I actually find concerning is the principle that the government could just change the law to remove the environmental protection without any kind of public consultation,” Lipa told listeners.

The legislative changes enabled the project to proceed, although there is no evidence that Kushner played any role in the amendment of the law.

The development is supported by investors led by Kushner and his wife, Ivanka Trump.

Environmental campaigners welcomed the singer’s intervention. Aleksander Trajce, head of the Protection and Preservation of the Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA), told The Guardian, “It was a very powerful statement. A lot of especially younger Albanians, who see her as an idol, have been inspired.”

Despite continued protests, developers have said they intend to move forward with the project, stating their focus remains on “responsible stewardship, environmental enhancement, job creation and creating long-term value for local communities”.