Prime Minister Edi Rama had a heated exchange during an interview with U.S. journalist Ines de La Cuetara from MS NOW (MSNBC), who is in Tirana reporting on recent weeks of protests in the Albanian capital.

The confrontation escalated when Rama was asked whether there is a conflict of interest regarding a planned investment in Zvërnec involving Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump and husband of Ivanka Trump. Rama responded angrily, dismissing the allegations and using a profanity while rejecting the idea of improper influence.

He insisted that the project will continue and argued that large-scale tourism investments will bring economic benefits to Albania, even if not directly accessible to all citizens. When pressed further on transparency concerns and public skepticism, Rama criticized what he called “ideological arguments” and defended the economic model behind the resort development.

The Prime Minister also rejected claims of external pressure or political interference, stating that international media attention and criticism were misplaced and reiterating that he has no intention of resigning.