BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) - On March 24, 2025, thousands of protesters gathered in Belgrade, Serbia, to express their opposition to plans to convert a former army headquarters, which was destroyed during NATO bombings, into a luxury complex. The development is backed by Jared Kushner's firm, the son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The protesters demanded that the site be reinstated as a heritage site and insisted that the government abandon its redevelopment plans.
Last year, the Serbian government approved a multi-million-dollar contract with Kushner for the construction project, which includes a 99-year lease on the prime land located in the heart of Belgrade. The rally was part of an anti-corruption movement that began following a tragic incident in November, when a concrete canopy at a train station in northern Serbia collapsed, resulting in the deaths of 16 people. This incident sparked criticism against the government for alleged corruption, negligence, and violations of construction safety regulations.
The date of the protest was also significant, as it coincided with Remembrance Day, commemorating the victims of the NATO air campaign that began on March 24, 1999. Many Serbs harbor resentment toward the U.S.-led bombing campaign, which was aimed at halting the Serbian government’s crackdown on ethnic Albanian separatists in Kosovo. Consequently, the bombed-out military compound has evolved into a potent symbol of resistance against Western intervention.
Under the development plans, the site would feature a luxury Trump hotel, upscale apartments, office spaces, and retail outlets, alongside a memorial to honor the bombing's victims. Opposition has come not only from the general public but also from Serbia’s architects, engineers, and political adversaries. In contrast, President Aleksandar Vucic and his administration have defended the project as a crucial step toward modernizing the capital city.
The ongoing protests, which are nearly a daily occurrence, have come to reflect widespread discontent with the decade-long rule of Vucic and his right-wing Serbian Progressive Party. Critics accuse the government of suppressing democratic freedoms while encouraging corruption and nepotism. Vucic has been a steadfast supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump and has fostered close relations with both China and Russia. Despite formally seeking Serbia's entry into the European Union, he has resisted joining Western sanctions against Moscow.
The protests against the redevelopment of the former Yugoslav military headquarters highlight a complex landscape of historical grievances, modern-day corruption allegations, and citizens’ desires for accountability and transparency from their government. As the demonstrations continue, they underscore the growing unease in Serbian society over political leadership and governance.
