NPS Niš: City leadership spent 11 million dinars on flagpoles

The city of Niš is facing criticism from the National Movement of Serbia (NPS) over its decision to spend nearly 11 million dinars (approximately $100,000 USD) on new flagpoles. The NPS has demanded answers from the city authorities regarding the prioritization of this purchase, the formation of its cost, and the justification for such an expenditure when the city is grappling with numerous more significant problems.

NPS considers the city's decision to install flagpoles in front of schools and institutions a prime example of misplaced priorities and irresponsible use of public funds. The party emphasized that while the importance of the national flag and symbols is not in question, Serbian flags are already present and displayed with dignity at schools, kindergartens, and public institutions. They questioned the need for new flagpoles when existing ones serve their purpose.

The party stated that true patriotism is fostered through well-maintained schools, safe playgrounds, quality educational materials, and good learning conditions for children. "Love for Serbia is not learned by looking at a six-meter-high pole, but through knowledge, upbringing, culture, and the state's responsibility towards its children," the NPS release stated. They suggested that the true aim of purchasing new flagpoles might be to secure lucrative contracts for select businesses rather than genuinely strengthening patriotism.

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Niko ne dovodi u pitanje značaj državne zastave niti poštovanje nacionalnih simbola. Zastave Srbije već postoje na školama, vrtićima i javnim ustanovama i godinama se ističu na dostojan način. Ukoliko zastave već postoje, zašto su sada potrebni novi jarboli?