Belgrade approves pro-Trump law; Kushner to transform NATO-destroyed barracks into a luxury hotel

Serbian parliamentarians have approved a special law paving the way for the Trump family-sponsored real estate project. This involves the renovation of a former Yugoslavian military complex located in downtown Belgrade, whose revitalization will be financed by an investment company linked to the US President's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The structure, which served as the headquarters of the Serbian army in the immediate post-Yugoslav era, was partially destroyed during the NATO bombings in 1999.

After days of heated debate and street protests, the bill was approved by 130 votes to 40 in the 250-member parliament. The special law, Lex Specialis in Latin, allows authorities to continue work on the site, including the demolition of what remains of the two buildings, considered excellent examples of mid-20th-century architecture in the former Yugoslavia.

The $500 million luxury complex project would include a high-rise hotel, a luxury apartment complex, offices, and shops. Authorities say Kushner's company has committed to building a memorial complex on the site dedicated to all the victims of the NATO bombing campaign.

The pro-Trump populist government of President Aleksandar Vucic claims the project would boost both the economy and relations with the current US administration. However, the plan has met with strong opposition due to the building's architectural significance, but also because it is considered a symbol of resistance to the US-led NATO bombing, an event many in the Balkan country consider an unjust aggression.

Last year, the Serbian government revoked the complex's protected status and signed a 99-year lease with the U.S. company Affinity Global Development, which is linked to Kushner. However, the project was halted after Serbian prosecutors specializing in organized crime launched an investigation to determine whether the documents used to revoke the protected status were forged.