I
n the heart of Belgrade, a city still grappling with the scars of war, thousands gathered to voice their discontent over plans to transform a former army headquarters into a luxury complex. The site, ravaged by NATO's 1999 bombing campaign, was meant to be a poignant reminder of the past, but instead it has become a battleground for Serbia's future.

    The proposed development, backed by Jared Kushner's firm and touted as a symbol of modernization, has sparked outrage among architects, engineers, and opposition parties. They see it as a betrayal of the site's heritage status and a slap in the face to those who suffered during the war.

    Monday's rally was just one manifestation of a broader anti-corruption movement that has been simmering in Serbia since November's tragic train station collapse, which killed 16 people. Critics argue that government corruption and negligence were to blame for the disaster, and now they're pointing fingers at the same authorities over the Kushner deal.

    As Serbs marked Remembrance Day for the victims of the NATO bombing campaign, the protesters' message was clear: this is not just about a luxury complex; it's about the values that Serbia holds dear. The development would erase the site's history and replace it with a Trump hotel, luxury apartments, and office spaces – a stark contrast to the city's rich cultural heritage.

    The almost daily demonstrations in Serbia have become a reflection of the country's growing discontent with President Aleksandar Vucic's decade-long rule. Critics accuse him of stifling democratic freedoms and fueling graft and nepotism, while his government defends the Kushner deal as a way to modernize the capital. The irony is not lost on many: Vucic has been a vocal supporter of Donald Trump and has cultivated close ties with China and Russia, all while seeking Serbia's entry into the European Union.

    As the protests continue, one thing is certain – the people of Belgrade will not let their city be reduced to just another luxury complex. They demand that their government listen to their voices and respect the site's history, rather than sacrificing it for the sake of profit and politics.