Dua Lipa has raised her voice against Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner’s resort project on an Albanian island. The Grammy-winning singer voiced her support for the protestors opposing the development in a recent interview of her Service95 Book Club podcast.
Dua Lipa backed protests against Ivanka Trump island project
Dua Lipa, who was born to Kosovo Albanian parents, is speaking out against Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner’s plans to build a $1.4 billion luxury resort on the country’s only island, Sazan. Kushner’s investment firm, Affinity Partners, finalized the project agreement in 2024.
Bulldozers and barbed-wire fences were installed along the beach for the construction in May. Soon after, protestors took to the streets to rally against the project. Multiple environmental groups and local residents held demonstrations, arguing that the development will damage the island’s untouched natural landscape.
Lipa stood by the protestors while speaking with Albanian academic and author Lea Ypi on her Service95 Book Club podcast. “I find it so inspiring to see how much people really care,” the pop star said, championing the weeks-long protests. “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 added.
Lipa received praise for her supportive stance from Albanian environmental activist Besjana Gurri. Speaking with AFP, Gurri said that Lipa’s statements send a “powerful message” to the Albanian government. “I am confident that her voice will help bring greater international attention to this fight and amplify the concerns of the people protesting in Tirana,” Gurri added (via the Daily Beast).
Aleksandër Trajçe, the executive director of the Protection and Preservation of the Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA), also called Lipa’s remarks “powerful.” He further told The Guardian, “A lot of especially younger Albanians, who see her as an idol, have been inspired.” Trajçe also noted that the protests will continue indefinitely, until the demands are met.
Originally reported by Namrata Ghosh on Mandatory.
