Thousands of Serbian citizens have taken to the streets of Belgrade, vowing to block a massive real estate development project linked to Jared Kushner, the former son-in-law of ex-US President Donald Trump. The controversial $500 million deal has sparked widespread public outrage and raised serious questions about transparency and environmental impact.
The Controversial Belgrade Waterfront Project
At the heart of the protest is a planned luxury real estate development on the site of the former Serbian army headquarters in Belgrade's prime Savamala neighborhood. Jared Kushner's investment firm Affinity Partners is seeking to transform the location into a high-end hotel, residential towers, and retail complex overlooking the Sava River.
The project has drawn fierce opposition from environmental groups, urban planners, and ordinary citizens who argue the development would destroy one of Belgrade's last green spaces along the riverfront. Protesters gathered outside the municipal building carrying banners that read "Stop the Construction" and "We Won't Give Up Belgrade."
Organizers from the Ne Davimo Beograd (Don't Let Belgrade Drown) movement have pledged to use all legal means, including potential physical intervention, to prevent the project from moving forward. The group has previously successfully blocked several other controversial developments in the Serbian capital.
Timeline and Political Connections
The controversy comes just months after Kushner's firm announced the deal in late 2023. The proposed development site holds significant historical value as the former headquarters of the Yugoslav People's Army, which was heavily bombed during NATO's 1999 campaign against Serbia.
Critics have raised concerns about the project's timing and political connections. The deal emerged shortly after Kushner's Affinity Partners secured a separate $500 million investment from a Serbian sovereign wealth fund. This has led to accusations of preferential treatment and questions about the transparency of the approval process.
Local urban planner Milica Mumovic expressed the sentiment shared by many protesters: "This is about preserving our city's character and preventing the destruction of our public spaces for private profit. We've seen too many questionable deals that benefit foreign investors at the expense of Belgrade's citizens."
Broader Implications and Public Response
The protests represent a growing movement against large-scale urban development projects that many Serbians believe prioritize foreign investment over public interest. The Kushner project has become a symbol of this broader struggle, drawing support from diverse segments of Serbian society.
Environmental activists have highlighted the project's potential ecological impact on the Sava River ecosystem. The location serves as an important green corridor and floodplain area that could be irreparably damaged by extensive construction.
As the confrontation continues, all eyes remain on whether public pressure can influence the Serbian government's decision-making process. The outcome could set a significant precedent for how Serbia balances foreign investment against environmental protection and public interest in future development projects.
The municipal government has yet to make a final decision on the project's approval, but the growing protest movement ensures that whatever decision emerges will face intense public scrutiny and potential legal challenges from opposition groups determined to protect Belgrade's urban landscape.
