Jared Kushner Cancels Serbia Construction Project Amid Controversy and Political Turmoil

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DW
21h ago
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Kushner withdrew from a Serbian luxury development amid protests and political strife, highlighting governance issues.
Jared Kushner Cancels Serbia Construction Project Amid Controversy and Political Turmoil
A What happened
Jared Kushner’s company pulled out of a €750 million plan to redevelop Belgrade's former Yugoslav military headquarters, a site with cultural and historical significance. The Serbian government supported the project but faced public protests and accusations of removing protective heritage status unlawfully. President Vucic, who controls key state institutions, responded by attacking judicial authorities and protesters. The cancellation worsens Serbia’s strained relations with Western investors and intensifies scrutiny of the country's political landscape where widespread protests challenge Vucic’s rule. The case illustrates the complexities of foreign investment in politically sensitive environments and cultural preservation conflicts in Serbia.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Authoritarian control hampers foreign investment: Vucic’s tight grip on Serbia's political, media, and judicial systems creates a polarized environment that deters international investors concerned about transparency and rule of law.

  • 2

    Cultural heritage as a political flashpoint: The redevelopment of a symbolic Yugoslav military site sparked public resistance tying cultural identity to political opposition against government decisions, reflecting wider societal divides.

  • 3

    Foreign investment caught in geopolitical tensions: The Kushner project intended to balance relations between Serbia, the EU, Russia, and China but fell victim to both internal political pressures and deteriorating relations with the US amid sanctions on Serbian energy firms.

Takeaways

The withdrawal of Kushner’s investment underscores the intersection of political authority, national identity, and foreign economic interests in Serbia, complicating the country's international relations and internal reform prospects.

Topics

World & Politics Policy & Regulation International Affairs Governance

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