Serbian citizens Protest Hotel project Linked to Trump’s Son-in-Law

Jakarta – Hundreds of people demonstrated against plans to demolish a former army base in Belgrade, Serbia, to build a luxury hotel.This growth project is associated with Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.

AFP reported on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, that the presentation on Tuesday was lead by students. This protest follows a parliamentary decision four days prior to classify the rebuilding of the bombed Yugoslav Army headquarters as an urgent project, accelerating the permitting process.

Kushner’s plan, as the husband of Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump and former senior advisor to Trump, is sensitive. The building was struck during US-led NATO airstrikes aimed at ending the 1998-1999 Kosovo War. Protesters view the project as a betrayal of the victims of the bombing and a symbol of unchecked foreign influence.

Critics argue the special law was rushed through parliament without proper public consultation.They also question the clarity of the deal and its potential impact on Belgrade’s urban landscape. Demonstrators carried banners reading “Don’t demolish our history” and “Belgrade is not for sale.”

The Serbian government defends the project, stating it will create jobs and boost the economy. They claim the new hotel will be a modern landmark and attract tourists. though, many remain skeptical, pointing to Kushner’s lack of experience in large-scale construction projects and concerns about potential corruption.

Further protests are planned as the demolition date approaches. The situation remains tense, with both sides refusing to back down. The controversy highlights growing concerns about foreign investment and its impact on national sovereignty in the region.