From Anketna to the Venice Commission, Only Problems Remain
Translated from Serbian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Serbian politician Aca is criticized for his recent shift in public statements, particularly regarding his age and perceived rejuvenation.
- The author speculates that external pressures, possibly related to Italian political experiences and the Venice Commission's critical opinion, have influenced Aca's actions.
- The article also points to ongoing issues with infrastructure projects and a controversial Belgrade waterfront development, suggesting a pattern of mismanagement and corruption.
The recent pronouncements and apparent shift in demeanor by our esteemed politician, Aca, have certainly raised eyebrows. Once lamenting his age and experience, he now seems to be touting his youthfulness and a more 'promising' outlook, especially in comparison to Rector ฤokiฤ. This sudden transformation begs the question: what prompted such a change? While we can only speculate, the author suggests a connection to Italian political experiences, perhaps even drawing parallels with the 'Ndrangheta, or perhaps inspiration from the stark pronouncements of the Venice Commission. It appears that external critiques, particularly from the Venice Commission regarding the judiciary, have finally forced a moment of introspection, prompting Aca to 'look at his home' and attempt to regroup his 'progressive army.'
This introspection, however, seems to be a reaction rather than a proactive strategy. The article highlights how recent commissions, including the Anketna Commission which reportedly exposed corrupt schemes involving Chinese partners, and now the Venice Commission, have put Aca on the defensive. Even commissions he himself established, such as those investigating the Topฤider soldiers' deaths or the murder of Oliver Ivanoviฤ, have yielded little, further complicating his narrative. The mention of the 'little Danka' case and other unresolved issues adds to a growing list of concerns about accountability and effective governance under his leadership.
Furthermore, the article casts a critical eye on Aca's signature projects, particularly the 'Malograฤanka' tower in Belgrade Waterfront. Built on the 'ruined foundations of the rule of law in Savamala,' this development, along with various road construction projects that only function well during opening ceremonies before succumbing to damage and repairs, paints a picture of systemic issues. Even the much-touted Belgrade-Budapest railway project seems stalled, failing to gain the momentum promised. From our vantage point at N1 Serbia, these are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a broader malaise, where grand pronouncements often mask a reality of mismanagement, questionable foundations, and a persistent failure to deliver on promises. The lack of a usage permit for the tower further underscores the disregard for regulations and the potential burden on future generations.
Originally published by N1 Serbia in Serbian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.