The Trump International Hotel proposed for the Serbian capital Belgrade was supposed to mark a new chapter in the country's modern history. It would take the place of one of the city's most arresting sights: the bomb-damaged, but still semi-functional, remains of the defense ministry complex, or Generalstab (General Staff) as it is otherwise known.
One major obstacle stood in the way: Generalstab was listed as cultural heritage. The government tried to get around this by removing the complex from the register of protected buildings but now Culture Minister Nikola Selakovic is on trial for abuse of office, accused of using his position to influence or falsify documents to revoke Generalstab's cultural heritage status.
Prosecutors are calling for a three-year prison sentence, while President Aleksandar Vucic has promised to pardon the minister if judges convict him. Whatever the verdict, it now seems highly unlikely that anyone will ever be able to check into a Trump International in Belgrade.
The project had already been a hard sell, given the tense history between the US and Serbia, especially considering US warplanes carried out the NATO air strikes in 1999 that reduced Generalstab to its current state. The Serbians' distrust towards US intentions was heightened following Washington's role in the 2008 unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo.
In 2024, Serbia's government struck a deal with Jared Kushner to redevelop Generalstab through his Affinity Global company. Initial surprise morphed into outrage with the announcement that a Trump International Hotel would be the project's centerpiece.
Vucic insisted the time was right for Serbia to 'overcome the burden from 1999,' emphasizing the importance of better relations with the US. However, many Serbs disagreed, particularly regarding Generalstab. Opposition to Kushner's project unified an unlikely coalition of architects, military veterans, and anti-corruption student protesters.
As various groups emerged in opposition, arguing the bombed buildings should be preserved as a memorial and highlighting the lack of a proper tender process, the Serbian government pressed ahead.
In November, MPs passed special legislation enabling the hotel's construction. Still, the prosecutors maintained scrutiny over the initiative, leading to charges against Selakovic and three officials in December.
Selakovic responded with vehement accusations against the prosecutors, labeling them an 'organized criminal group'. Despite the escalating controversy, Kushner's company later announced their withdrawal, emphasizing a preference to unite rather than divide and expressing respect for the citizens of Serbia.
Vucic termed the prosecution 'shameful' and manipulated, while recent amendments to judicial legislation sparked criticism regarding the independence of Serbia's judicial system.
Protests reignited outside the court where Selakovic stands trial, echoing public dissent. Meanwhile, Kushner has turned his attention to Albania, signaling a shift in focus away from Belgrade.
One major obstacle stood in the way: Generalstab was listed as cultural heritage. The government tried to get around this by removing the complex from the register of protected buildings but now Culture Minister Nikola Selakovic is on trial for abuse of office, accused of using his position to influence or falsify documents to revoke Generalstab's cultural heritage status.
Prosecutors are calling for a three-year prison sentence, while President Aleksandar Vucic has promised to pardon the minister if judges convict him. Whatever the verdict, it now seems highly unlikely that anyone will ever be able to check into a Trump International in Belgrade.
The project had already been a hard sell, given the tense history between the US and Serbia, especially considering US warplanes carried out the NATO air strikes in 1999 that reduced Generalstab to its current state. The Serbians' distrust towards US intentions was heightened following Washington's role in the 2008 unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo.
In 2024, Serbia's government struck a deal with Jared Kushner to redevelop Generalstab through his Affinity Global company. Initial surprise morphed into outrage with the announcement that a Trump International Hotel would be the project's centerpiece.
Vucic insisted the time was right for Serbia to 'overcome the burden from 1999,' emphasizing the importance of better relations with the US. However, many Serbs disagreed, particularly regarding Generalstab. Opposition to Kushner's project unified an unlikely coalition of architects, military veterans, and anti-corruption student protesters.
As various groups emerged in opposition, arguing the bombed buildings should be preserved as a memorial and highlighting the lack of a proper tender process, the Serbian government pressed ahead.
In November, MPs passed special legislation enabling the hotel's construction. Still, the prosecutors maintained scrutiny over the initiative, leading to charges against Selakovic and three officials in December.
Selakovic responded with vehement accusations against the prosecutors, labeling them an 'organized criminal group'. Despite the escalating controversy, Kushner's company later announced their withdrawal, emphasizing a preference to unite rather than divide and expressing respect for the citizens of Serbia.
Vucic termed the prosecution 'shameful' and manipulated, while recent amendments to judicial legislation sparked criticism regarding the independence of Serbia's judicial system.
Protests reignited outside the court where Selakovic stands trial, echoing public dissent. Meanwhile, Kushner has turned his attention to Albania, signaling a shift in focus away from Belgrade.
