Belgrade security project called 'budget plunder' by opposition

A proposed public-private partnership to establish an integrated security system in Belgrade has drawn sharp criticism from Miloš Pavlović of the NPS party. He described the project as "another in a series of corrupt projects that harm the City and Belgrade residents."

Pavlović highlighted a significant financial disparity, stating the project's initial capital cost is 12.3 billion dinars. However, the city is contracted to pay a staggering 81 billion dinars, approximately 690 million euros, to the private partner over the next ten years. "The City of Belgrade is ready not to pay and will not pay what costs 12.3 billion dinars, but will pay seven times more in the next ten years to the private partner – almost 700 million euros," he explained.

He contrasted this with the city's alleged inability to pay salaries for employees at Apoteka Beograd, a pharmacy chain he claims is being deliberately destroyed. Pavlović labeled the security system project a "classic example of plunderous privatization" and a "classic example of plundering Belgrade's budget," asserting it lacks any economic justification and harms all residents.

Furthermore, Pavlović argued the project is illegal because Belgrade already possesses police and municipal police forces responsible for public order. He suggested the true aim is to establish a "para-police formation" that would employ individuals associated with specific symbols, referencing "black hoods." Pavlović announced that his party group would initiate legal proceedings to annul the partnership and file constitutional challenges and criminal complaints.