🔗 Share this article Serbia endorses controversial real estate plan connected to Trump The controversial real estate development led by the US president's family member has triggered demonstrations The Serbian parliament has passed a bill that clears the path for a contentious development initiative spearheaded by former President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner in Belgrade. His firm Affinity Partners has sought to build a luxury hospitality venue and residential complex on the site of the former Yugoslav Army headquarters. The destroyed building, which was targeted by Nato troops in 1999 during its intervention to end the Serbian armed forces operation in Kosovo, holds significant importance to certain groups who see it as a memorial and symbol of continuing opposition to the defense organization. The Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who has pursued close relations with the former president, has endorsed the development in the face of demonstrations and constitutional objections. Last year, the national government stripped the property of its conservation status and agreed a 99-year contract with Kushner's company, which had presented designs for a half-billion dollar construction. The ruling triggered public gatherings and led to an investigation into whether a Serbian government representative had forged documentation utilized during the method to change the structure's classification. Through a discussion recently, Head of State Aleksandar Vucic supported the plan, saying "it's essential to overcome the legacy from 1999". He added: "We are willing to establish improved ties with the United States – I think that is extremely crucial for this state." The stalled approval process reached a climax recently when the president's party – which holds a controlling in parliament – moved forward with a special ballot on preparing the location and won. Dissenting politicians have described the outcome against the constitution, notably Aleksandar Jovanovic, who characterized it as a "violation", and declared the significant building would be substituted with "gaming establishments and spas". Simultaneously, centre-left MP Marinika Tepic stated the government was jeopardizing the nation's past "to please Trump". The approval of the law has additionally been questioned by architectural professionals, and follows subsequent to a watchdog organization, an integrity body, raised apprehensions about publicly-endorsed initiatives. Per local media coverage prior to his first presidency campaign, the former president previously explored constructing a hotel in Belgrade. Earlier this year, the developer informed reporters he was unfamiliar of his relative's alleged earlier consideration. The resolution to enable progress for the project arrives as the president's administration aims to maintain favorable connections with the two America and Russia. The nation has been impacted by the two the former president's trade measures and penalties on Russian assets in the state, including on its single petroleum facility, the primarily Russian-owned Nafna Industrika Srbije (NIS).