Serbia’s parliament has recently approved legislation facilitating a property development project in Belgrade led by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Kushner’s firm, Affinity Partners, aims to construct a luxury hotel and apartment complex on the site of the former Yugoslav Army headquarters. This site holds historical significance, as it was bombed during NATO’s 1999 intervention in Kosovo, leading some to view it as a memorial against NATO actions.
President Aleksandar Vucic has supported the development despite public protests and legal hurdles. Last year, the Serbian government removed the building’s protected status and established a 99-year lease with Kushner’s firm for a $500 million project. This decision prompted demonstrations and an investigation into potential forgery of documentation that enabled the change in status.
In June, Vucic stated the importance of moving beyond the events of 1999 and emphasized his objective to strengthen ties with the United States. The recent parliamentary vote to approve the site clearance was driven by Vucic’s party, which holds a majority in the legislature.
The legislation has faced criticism from opposition politicians, with some asserting that it violates constitutional principles. Opposition member Aleksandar Jovanovic referred to the change as a crime, while MP Marinika Tepicċ contended that the government is forsaking historical significance to appease Trump. Architectural experts and the anti-corruption group Transparency Serbia have also voiced concerns regarding the implications of government-backed developments.
Additionally, reports suggest that Donald Trump had previously considered developing a hotel in Belgrade, although Kushner claimed he was unaware of any past interests. This development occurs amid the Serbian government’s efforts to balance relationships with both Washington and Moscow, particularly amid the impacts of U.S. tariffs and sanctions on Russian investments in Serbia.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1e3q6g5n00o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss