Opposition leader Sali Berisha said Wednesday that his party supports the proposed investment project in the Zvërnec area put forward by Jared Kushner, describing it as a development initiative that serves Albania’s national interest.

Speaking during a meeting of the parliamentary group of the Democratic Party, Berisha said the debate surrounding Zvërnec has evolved into both a national and international issue. Despite concerns raised by critics, he stated that the opposition openly supports the project, noting that its origins date back to a period before Donald Trump returned to the White House.

Berisha acknowledged concerns that the project could be used to gain political influence but argued that economic development and national interests should take precedence.

“I had no doubt that Prime Minister Edi Rama was seeking to buy political influence,” Berisha said. “However, for me, the national interest and the country’s interest came above that.”

The Democratic Party leader also addressed the proposed investment on Sazan Island, rejecting criticism from environmental advocates and arguing that the project would not damage the island’s natural landscape.

Berisha described opponents of the development as “hypocrites,” claiming that the island’s unique vegetation and ecosystem would remain protected. He noted that previous Albanian governments had also explored investment opportunities for Sazan, emphasizing that the project is more complex than a conventional development initiative.

“Sazan’s extraordinary value lies in its vegetation, not simply in its coastline or surrounding waters,” Berisha said. “That vegetation will be preserved.”

He further distinguished between Sazan and Zvërnec, arguing that much of the land in Zvërnec is privately owned and has historically been inhabited.

Concluding his remarks, Berisha reiterated his party’s support for foreign investment projects in Albania, saying such initiatives can contribute to the country’s economic growth and development.