Opposition groups in Serbia are gearing up for protests against a real estate development project that is set to be financed by Jared Kushner's firm, the son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The project is planned for the site of the former Serbian army headquarters, which was destroyed during a U.S.-led NATO bombing campaign in 1999.
The Serbian government recently inked a deal with a Kushner-related company for a 99-year lease of land in central Belgrade to revitalize the bombed-out buildings. The $500-million project is expected to include a high-rise hotel, luxury apartments, office spaces, and retail outlets.
Kushner expressed optimism about the venture, stating that it would further enhance Belgrade's status as a top international destination. However, the project has faced criticism from opposition groups and a segment of the public.
For many Serbians, the former army command building holds significant historical value as a symbol of the country's resistance during the NATO bombing campaign. The conflict stemmed from a 1998-99 war between Serbian forces and ethnic Albanian separatists in Kosovo, a former Serbian province. The subsequent NATO intervention led to Kosovo's independence in 2008, a move not recognized by the Serbian government.
Opposition leader Aleksandar Jovanovic has vowed to resist the demolition of the General Staff building and its transfer to an American company, warning of potential physical action. In contrast, government officials have defended the deal, emphasizing the long-overdue restoration of the site and its potential contribution to Belgrade's and Serbia's development.
The construction minister highlighted plans to erect a bombing memorial at the site, funded by the investor. This project is not the only one involving Kushner's company in the region, as a separate investment proposal for a resort on Sazan Island in Albania has also been acknowledged by the Albanian government.
