Demonstrators in Serbia gathered in large numbers on Monday to protest against the planned transformation of a Nato-bombed former military facility into an upscale development, backed by the company of Jared Kushner, US president Donald Trump’s son-in-law.
The Belgrade protesters sought to reinstate the site’s heritage status and cancel the development plans. The Serbian authorities had previously sanctioned a substantial agreement with Kushner, including a 99-year land lease in central Belgrade.
The demonstration formed part of Serbia’s broader anti-corruption campaign, which began after a tragic incident in November when a railway station’s concrete awning collapsed in northern Serbia, causing 16 fatalities. The incident sparked criticism of governmental negligence and alleged corruption in construction safety oversight.
The protest coincided with the commemoration of victims from the 78-day bombing operation that commenced on March 24, 1999. The Serbian population continues to harbour resentment over Nato’s air campaign, which aimed to halt Belgrade’s operations against Kosovo’s ethnic Albanian separatists. The damaged military facility has evolved into a symbol of defiance.
The proposed development encompasses a Trump hotel, premium residential units, commercial spaces and retail outlets, alongside a memorial for bombing victims.
Serbian professional bodies and opposition groups have contested the Kushner agreement, whilst president Aleksandar Vucic’s administration maintains that the project represents progressive urban development for the capital.
The ongoing protests in Serbia reflect broader public dissatisfaction with Vucic’s ten-year leadership and his Serbian Progressive Party, which critics accuse of restricting democratic liberties and encouraging corruption and favouritism.
Vucic has maintained support for US president Donald Trump whilst cultivating strong ties with China and Russia. Despite Serbia’s formal EU membership pursuit, he has declined to participate in Western sanctions against Moscow.