Belgrade councilor doubts 'Staklenac' demolition timeline amid metro construction plans

The future of Belgrade's "Staklenac" shopping center, a fixture on Republic Square for 36 years, hangs in the balance as the city administration plans its demolition to facilitate the construction of a new metro station. City manager Miroslav Čučković announced that the center would be removed by the end of the year.

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I don't believe absolutely anything

However, Stefan Simić, a councilor from the Free Citizens Movement, voiced strong doubts about the city's pronouncements. He stated he doesn't "believe absolutely anything" the city manager says, citing a history of unfulfilled promises. Simić questioned the timeline, particularly regarding negotiations with the 46 local businesses housed within "Staklenac." While Čučković claimed agreements have been reached with 24 owners, Simić pointed out that talks are ongoing with others, making a year-end demolition seem improbable.

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So how does he know that they will agree with them by the end of the year?

Simić also highlighted potential logistical hurdles, including the absence of specialized tunneling equipment, known as "moles," which are reportedly en route from China. He expressed uncertainty about their arrival and the city's capacity to manage such a complex project, referencing past failures on less complicated endeavors. The councilor urged the city authorities to provide a clear timeline for the metro's completion, suggesting it would likely extend beyond the next two years.

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So these businesses might still need to operate

The "Staklenac" center comprises 46 premises, with only five owned by state institutions. While agreements have been reached with 24 owners who are vacating their spaces, negotiations continue with the remaining businesses. The city's plan hinges on resolving these outstanding issues and securing the necessary equipment to proceed with the metro station construction.

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I am not sure that the current city government has the legitimacy and the ability to implement something like that to the end.