Serbia allows demolition of NATO-bombed general staff to build Trump hotel

The Serbian Parliament has adopted a decision that allows demolish the building of the former general staff, destroyed during NATO bombing in 1999. The historic building is to be replaced by five-star hotel Trump International Hotel Belgrade.

A project worth half a billion

According to the plan, the construction is estimated at $500 million. The initiator is Trump Organisation, which received permission after lengthy negotiations with the Serbian government.

Previously, the project was suspended due to accusing officials of fraud and controversy over cancellation of the protection status of a historic building, which many Serbs considered a symbol of national memory.

Criticism of the opposition

Opposition parties sharply criticised the law, calling it unconstitutional and one that sacrifices cultural heritage for Donald Trump's commercial interests.

«This is not just a business deal, it is the destruction of a symbol of Serbia's historical memory for the sake of profit,» opposition members said in parliament.

Historical context

The Serbian General Staff building was destroyed during the of NATO air strikes in 1999 during the Kosovo conflict. Since then, the building has remained one of the most famous architectural and military symbols of Belgrade.