Albanian court releases protesters over Kushner-linked resort demonstration

A luxury resort project backed by Jared Kushner, the son‑in‑law of former U.S. President Donald Trump, has become a focal point for anti‑government demonstrations in the Philippines. The development, slated for a 150‑hectare coastal site on Mactan Island, is being pursued by Kushner Companies in partnership with a local consortium and has been promoted as a catalyst for tourism and job creation. Since the government approved the project earlier this year, protestors have gathered regularly at the construction perimeter, accusing officials of prioritising foreign investors over environmental protection and local community interests.

Authorities responded to the escalating unrest with a heightened police presence, issuing dispersal orders and employing tear‑gas in several instances. Over the past month, dozens of demonstrators have been detained, and the police have cited concerns about public safety and potential sabotage of the site. The protests reflect broader dissatisfaction with the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which critics say has become increasingly opaque and aligned with overseas interests. While the resort’s developers maintain that the project complies with all regulatory requirements, the ongoing clashes suggest that the controversy will remain a significant point of contention in the run‑up to the next national elections.