The suspension of the planned Trump Tower and luxury hotel project in Serbia's capital, Belgrade, has caused a widespread political crisis in the country. The project was intended to receive a $500 million investment from Affinity Partners, a company owned by U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
According to editorial reports, the investor's decision to withdraw was announced immediately after the indictment of Serbia's Minister of Culture, Nikola Selaković, and three other high-ranking officials. The accusations claim that the building's cultural heritage status was revoked through forged documents to pave the way for the project.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić blamed protesters and the prosecution for the loss of investment, stating that those responsible would be held accountable. He also announced that he would defend the accused officials and pardon them if necessary.
The former Yugoslav General Staff building, where the project was planned, was damaged during the 1999 NATO bombing and had become a symbol of resistance in Serbian society. Months of mass protests against the transformation of this area into an American-origin luxury hotel ultimately led to the complete halt of the project.