The Serbia Centre Party (SRCE) stated on Sunday that the decision by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump, to withdraw from the planned hotel construction at the former General Staff complex in Belgrade represents the most painful political and diplomatic blow suffered by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to date.
According to SRCE, this move has resulted in Vučić losing even the appearance of support from the U.S. administration, at a moment when his government is already under pressure due to American sanctions on NIS and Russia’s refusal to grant Serbia a right of first refusal in energy-related negotiations.
“Radioactive” Deal and Legal Controversies
In its statement, SRCE argued that Kushner’s withdrawal signifies a refusal to be “an accomplice in the erasure of Serbian history, the sell-off of state property, and an attempt by Vučić to corrupt the U.S. president.” The party described the episode as the most severe foreign policy setback the current regime could face under present circumstances.
SRCE further noted that it has long been evident to both the domestic and international public that Vučić’s deal involving the General Staff complex had become politically and legally ‘radioactive’, citing a series of alleged illegal actions. This assessment, they said, was reinforced by the filing of an indictment proposal against Culture Minister Nikola Selaković earlier on the same day.
Loss of International Credibility
The party emphasized that Vučić has now been clearly warned that “street-style foreign policy” has no place in serious international relations, stressing once again that he has lost even the symbolic backing of Washington.
SRCE also recalled a series of controversial episodes, including financial support for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, alleged attempts to gain access to Trump through informal channels, and claims of criminal organization involving truck drivers, describing them as “yellow cards” issued by the U.S. president to Vučić.
Kushner’s Withdrawal Seen as Moral Defeat for Authorities
While Serbian courts will ultimately decide on the criminal responsibility of Selaković, Vasić, and their superiors, SRCE concluded that it is deeply humiliating for Serbia that the decision to abandon the destruction of the General Staff building was made by Kushner—out of respect for Belgrade and its citizens—rather than by Vučić himself.
Earlier today, The Wall Street Journal reported that Jared Kushner had officially withdrawn from the Belgrade hotel project, citing public protests and the legal proceedings involving a senior Serbian official as key factors behind the decision.
