Serbia: Thousands protest against Donald Trump's son-in-law's project

Serbia has seen months of anti-government student protests organized by the opposition after 16 people died in a railway station roof collapse that they blame on corruption and negligence.

The protests have spread to include mostly students but also teachers and farmers, posing a major challenge to President Aleksandar Vucic, who has led Serbia for 12 years as prime minister or president.

Serbian protesters carry anti-NATO flags. Source: X/Luka

Monday's protest was called by students at the National University of Belgrade, who have blockaded classes at their faculty since early December and have led anti-government protests for the past four months.

Protesters gathered in front of the former military headquarters, which the Serbian government leased to Kushner's US-based investment firm Affinity Partners last year.

"This is the 26th anniversary of the NATO bombing. And we are protesting because this building was given to someone to make a profit," said one student protester. "But it (the buildings) should remain here because it is evidence of NATO aggression."

These two buildings were damaged during the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia, which included Serbia and Montenegro.

The wave of protests led by the opposition and mainly students in Serbia has forced many senior leaders in the country's government to resign to calm the situation, including Prime Minister Milos Vucevic.

The political situation in Serbia has been very complicated since the general election last December, which was won by President Vucic's Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). Many protests by the pro-Western opposition took place in the country to protest the election results.

Under Vucic, who has been prime minister or president since 2014, Serbia has pursued a flexible foreign policy. Serbia wants to join the European Union, but the process has encountered many obstacles, especially related to the issue of Kosovo.

Serbia under Vucic has maintained close ties with Russia, especially in the energy and defense sectors, while trying to remain neutral amid tensions between the West and Russia.

The opposition Kreni-Promeni party has called for an interim government of experts and has been endorsed by the students leading the protests. It has also urged other opposition parties not to boycott if elections are held.

Hoang Huy (according to AJ, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/serbia-hang-nghin-nguoi-bieu-tinh-phan-doi-du-an-cua-con-re-ong-donald-trump-post339915.html