By: The Trek News Desk
Serbia’s parliament has passed a law that clears the way for a controversial real estate project led by U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Kushner’s company, Affinity Partners, plans to build a luxury hotel and apartment complex on the site of the former Yugoslav Army headquarters in Belgrade.
The building, which was destroyed in 1999 NATO airstrikes during the alliance’s intervention in Kosovo, holds symbolic significance for many, serving as both a memorial and a statement against military interventions. This has made the proposed project highly contentious.
Despite widespread protests and legal challenges, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, a close ally of Trump, has backed the development. Last year, the Serbian government removed the site’s protected status and signed a 99-year lease with Kushner’s firm, which outlined a $500 million (~₹3,000 crore) development plan.
Protests and Criticism
The decision has sparked demonstrations and triggered investigations into possible document forgery by Serbian officials who used to change the site’s status. Opposition politicians have criticised the move as unconstitutional. Aleksandar Jovanovic labelled the project a “crime,” warning that the historic site could be replaced with “casinos and Jacuzzis.”
Centre-left MP Marinika Tepic accused the government of sacrificing national history “to please Trump.” Architectural experts and anti-corruption group Transparency Serbia have also voiced serious concerns over the decision, highlighting the risks of state-backed developments.
Balancing Relations with the U.S. and Russia
Analysts suggest the move reflects Vucic’s attempt to maintain good diplomatic ties with both Washington and Moscow. Serbia has faced economic pressures from U.S. tariffs and sanctions targeting Russian interests, including the country’s sole oil refinery, NIS, which is majority Russian-owned.
Reports before Trump’s first presidential campaign suggested he had considered building a hotel in Belgrade. In March 2023, Kushner told the media that he was not aware of any such past plans by his father-in-law.
The law’s passage marks a significant step toward realising the $500 million luxury development, despite public outcry and concerns over historical preservation.
Source: News Agencies
