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Novi Sad Tragedy: Government Response and Political Fallout
The collapse of a train station canopy in Novi Sad, Serbia, killing 14, sparked a political crisis, with the government facing accusations of negligence and corruption, while the opposition struggles to capitalize on the situation.
Serbian
Germany
Germany European UnionPolitical CrisisCorruptionInfrastructureOppositionAccident
Serbian GovernmentSns (Serbian Progressive Party)Pink TelevisionDw (Deutsche Welle)
Aleksandar VučićGoran VesićŽeljko MitrovićDejan BursaćBožo Prelević
- How did the accident affect the government's image?
- The incident significantly damaged the government's carefully cultivated image as efficient builders. Critics point to poor construction oversight, corruption, and lack of transparency in infrastructure projects as contributing factors to the tragedy.
- What was the significance of Goran Vesić's resignation?
- The Minister of Construction, Goran Vesić, resigned, claiming innocence, while also expressing resentment towards those who demanded his removal. He was subsequently offered a high-level position at Pink Television, highlighting the close ties between the government and media.
- How did the government react to calls for accountability?
- The government's response included accusations against the opposition and neighboring countries, while those calling for accountability were labeled as seeking bloodshed. President Vučić offered a referendum on his removal or his death, a proposal deemed unconstitutional by experts.
- What was the immediate government response to the Novi Sad train station collapse?
- Following a tragic accident in Novi Sad, where a newly renovated train station's canopy collapsed, killing 14 people, the Serbian government immediately denied any responsibility, attributing the incident to unforeseen circumstances and comparing it to similar events abroad.
- What were the reactions and challenges faced by the opposition in the aftermath of the tragedy?
- Opposition protests followed the incident, marred by clashes with police. The opposition's lack of credibility and internal divisions were cited as hindering their ability to effectively capitalize on the tragedy and present a viable alternative to the ruling party.