The Serbian parliament approved a special law (Lex specialis) regarding the building complex of the General Staff of the Army in the centre of Belgrade, which was damaged during NATO bombings in 1999.

This law, which prevails over general law, allows the demolition of the building despite the fact that it is a monument of architectural heritage. In this way, the obstacles for developing the area are bypassed. The special law opens the way for Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, who at the beginning of 2024 expressed his intention to construct two skyscrapers with a luxury hotel, apartments and commercial areas.

The Serbian opposition has announced protests if the demolition of the General Staff building begins. Ever since Jared Kushner’s plans became known, frequent protests have taken place demanding reconstruction of the building as it was before the bombings. This is what the majority of the population desires, according to opinion polls conducted recently.

Granting the site to Donald Trump’s son-in-law is also considered an insult to the victims of the bombings, since the US played a leading role in the NATO air campaign against Yugoslavia in 1999.