Serbian Parliament Approves Belgrade Property Development Linked to Jared Kushner
Serbia's parliament has passed legislation enabling a property development in Belgrade, led by US President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
The project involves the construction of a luxury hotel and apartment complex on the site of the former Yugoslav Army headquarters. This site, damaged by NATO forces in 1999 during their intervention in Kosovo, is viewed by some as a memorial and a symbol of opposition to the military alliance.
Project Details and Government Actions
Kushner's firm, Affinity Partners, plans a $500m (£379.9m) development. Last year, the Serbian government removed the building's protected status and agreed to a 99-year lease with the firm.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic supported the plans, stating in June that the initiative was important for "overcoming the burden from 1999" and for developing "better relations with the US."
On Friday, a special parliamentary vote, supported by Vucic's party which holds a majority, approved the site clearance.
Reactions and Concerns
The government's decision has prompted demonstrations and led to an investigation into alleged document forgery by a Serbian official during the process to change the building's status.
Opposition politicians have described the decision as unconstitutional. Aleksandar Jovanovic stated to AFP that the site would be replaced with "casinos and Jacuzzis." Centre-left MP Marinika Tepicċ was reported by Politico as stating the government was sacrificing the country's history.
Architectural experts have also criticized the passage of the law. Transparency Serbia, an anti-corruption organization, had previously raised concerns regarding state-backed developments.
Broader Context
Prior to his first presidential campaign, Donald Trump reportedly considered building a hotel in Belgrade. Kushner told the New York Times in March that he was unaware of his father-in-law's reported previous interest.
The approval of this development occurs as Vucic's government aims to maintain relations with both Washington and Moscow. Serbia has been affected by US tariffs and sanctions targeting Russian interests within the country, including its majority Russian-owned oil refinery, Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS).