Tensions have erupted in Belgrade as thousands of Serbian protesters vow to block a massive real estate project linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The proposed luxury development, which would transform part of the Serbian capital’s historic riverfront, has sparked widespread outrage among environmentalists, urban planners, and citizens who accuse the government of selling public land to foreign investors under questionable terms.
The protests highlight a deepening divide in Serbia between economic ambition and public accountability, as residents fear the project could reshape Belgrade’s skyline at the expense of its heritage and environment.
A Controversial Real Estate Deal
The project, reportedly backed by a U.S.-based investment group associated with Jared Kushner, aims to redevelop a key site near the old Yugoslav Ministry of Defense building. Once a symbol of Serbia’s war-torn history, the area is now being positioned for high-end commercial and residential use.
According to local reports, the deal includes the construction of luxury hotels, office towers, and upscale apartments, making it one of the most ambitious real estate projects in Serbia’s modern history. Real estate project linked to Trump’s son-in-law Kushner has become a rallying cry for protesters who view the deal as emblematic of foreign influence and political favoritism.
Critics argue that the agreement was rushed through without sufficient public consultation, environmental review, or transparency about financial terms. Protest leaders have accused officials of prioritizing private profit over public interest.
Public Anger Spills Into The Streets
Over recent weeks, Belgrade has seen some of its largest demonstrations in years. Protesters from various political and social backgrounds have united under a shared demand: to stop what they call an “illegal and corrupt urban takeover.”
Chanting slogans such as “Our city is not for sale” and “Stop Kushner’s deal,” demonstrators have filled Belgrade’s main boulevards, waving Serbian flags and carrying banners depicting the controversial site.
Many protesters accuse the government of betraying national pride by allowing a real estate project linked to Trump’s son-in-law, Kushner, to override domestic priorities. Environmental groups warn that the project could cause irreversible damage to local ecosystems, particularly near the Sava River, where the development is planned.
Residents fear the project will worsen traffic congestion, inflate property prices, and lead to the displacement of lower-income families living nearby.
Political Implications for Serbia’s Leadership
The controversy has placed Serbia’s government in a difficult position. While officials promote the deal as a step toward modernization and foreign investment, critics see it as evidence of political favoritism and a lack of sovereignty.
Opposition leaders have accused the ruling administration of using the Kushner deal to strengthen its ties with American business interests ahead of upcoming elections. They argue that Serbia should focus on affordable housing and sustainable infrastructure instead of luxury projects catering to wealthy foreign buyers.
For Prime Minister Ana Brnabić and President Aleksandar Vučić, the stakes are high. The protests have revived broader frustrations about corruption, lack of transparency, and government control over urban planning. The real estate project linked to Trump’s son-in-law, Kushner, has thus become more than a development issue; it is now a symbol of public resistance against unchecked political and economic power.
The Kushner Connection
Jared Kushner, who gained global prominence during his tenure as a senior White House adviser, has since expanded his business portfolio through real estate ventures around the world. His firm, Affinity Partners, has been involved in several major projects across the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
In the case of Serbia, reports suggest Kushner’s investment group was selected for the Belgrade project through a direct negotiation process rather than a public tender. This has fueled speculation about political influence behind the deal.
Kushner’s association with the Trump brand also adds a geopolitical layer to the controversy. Some protesters claim that the real estate project linked to Trump’s son-in-law, Kushner, represents an attempt by U.S. interests to gain leverage in the Balkans, a region where Russia and China also maintain strong economic and diplomatic ties.
Economic Promises and Public Skepticism
Supporters of the project argue that it could bring thousands of new jobs, attract foreign investors, and boost Serbia’s global profile as a destination for luxury real estate. Government officials describe it as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to modernize Belgrade’s infrastructure.
Proponents say the plan includes public spaces, improved transport links, and tourism development that could benefit the broader economy. They argue that rejecting the real estate project linked to Trump’s son-in-law, Kushner, would send a negative message to future investors and slow Serbia’s economic growth.
However, many citizens remain skeptical. Serbia has a history of controversial urban projects, such as the Belgrade Waterfront development, which similarly faced public backlash over transparency issues. Protesters fear the new project will follow the same pattern, enriching elites while offering little benefit to ordinary Serbians.
Environmental Concerns Take Center Stage
A major flashpoint in the protests is environmental protection. Activists argue that the real estate project linked to Trump’s son-in-law, Kushner, threatens key green spaces and river ecosystems. They warn that large-scale construction could disrupt natural habitats, increase pollution, and reduce access to public areas near the river.
Experts also raise concerns about the project’s potential impact on Belgrade’s flood defenses. Parts of the planned construction zone are located in low-lying areas prone to seasonal flooding. Critics say the government has not provided sufficient environmental studies to address these risks.
For many, the project reflects a pattern of urban planning driven by profit rather than sustainability. “We need green spaces, not glass towers,” one protester told local media.
Growing Support From Civil Society
The protest movement has gained traction beyond environmental circles. Urban planners, architects, and economists have joined in, calling for full disclosure of the project’s terms. Student groups and labor unions have also expressed solidarity, framing the movement as a fight for accountability and democratic participation.
Digital campaigns have amplified the movement on social media, with trending topics across Serbia. Citizens are sharing drone footage, protest videos, and expert analyses to raise awareness of what they call a “national betrayal.”
This wave of activism reflects a broader shift in Serbian civil society, where younger generations are becoming more vocal about government decisions affecting their future.
What Happens Next
The government faces mounting pressure to review or even cancel the deal. Some lawmakers have called for an independent investigation into how the real estate project linked to Trump’s son-in-law, Kushner, was approved. Others are demanding a national referendum to let citizens decide the project’s fate.
Legal experts suggest that any unilateral cancellation could lead to international arbitration, potentially costing the state millions. Still, the protests show no sign of slowing. Organizers have announced plans for continued demonstrations until the project is officially suspended.
The outcome will likely determine not only the future of this particular development but also Serbia’s broader approach to foreign investment. It may set a precedent for how the government balances economic growth with public consent.
A Turning Point For Serbia’s Urban Future
The conflict over the real estate project linked to Trump’s son-in-law, Kushner, underscores the growing demand for transparency and local participation in major development decisions. Many citizens are calling for a national conversation on how Serbia wants to grow, and for whom.
As the protests continue, one thing is clear: the issue has moved beyond real estate. It has become a test of democratic accountability and national identity in a country still navigating its post-socialist transformation.
If the government proceeds without addressing public concerns, it risks deepening mistrust among voters. But if it halts or revises the deal, it could mark a turning point in how Serbia handles major international investments in the future.
Either way, this movement has already reshaped the national debate, proving that citizens are no longer willing to remain silent while decisions about their cities are made behind closed doors.
