TIRANA, June 9 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Tuesday that no construction permit has been granted for a much-debated proposed development in the coastal area of Zvërnec, southern Albania, dismissing claims that the project had already received official approval.
Speaking at a news conference with journalists from European Union member states, the government head said the initiative remained at a preliminary stage involving a private company that had expressed interest in the site and was engaged in consultations with the relevant authorities.
“If anyone claims there is a construction permit, they should produce it,” Rama said, adding that the existence of a company and ongoing discussions with public institutions did not amount to an approved project.
The Prime Minister said the property concerned was privately owned and criticized what he described as misinformation surrounding the development, arguing that public debate had blurred the distinction between separate proposals involving Zvërnec and the nearby island of Sazan.
Rama rejected accusations that the government was facilitating the sale of islands or acting in the interests of wealthy investors, saying such portrayals created a misleading image of Albania abroad.
He said it was normal in a democratic system for private parties to establish companies, express investment interest and enter into agreements, provided they complied with the law and applicable regulations.
Addressing criticism over the erection of a perimeter fence at the site, Rama said private landowners were entitled to seek permission to fence their property, describing objections to the measure as unfounded.
The Premier also said that any potential development would be subject to established administrative procedures and environmental safeguards. He noted that authorities had formally informed investors about the ecological sensitivity of the area, including restrictions related to the nearby lagoon, development setbacks and density requirements.
Rama said he was prepared to make available all relevant documentation and provide further clarification on the matter, rejecting allegations that the government had amended legislation to enable the project.
“That is false, and I am ready to demonstrate it with the relevant documents,” he said.
According to Rama, critics of the project had largely declined engagement on the substance of the issue and instead focused on calls for his resignation.
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