Zrenjanin Opposition Blames Authorities After Linglong Factory Worker Dies

An opposition coalition in Zrenjanin has condemned the catastrophic safety conditions at the Chinese Linglong tire factory following the death of a 20-year-old worker. The tragedy highlights what they describe as a dire state of worker safety and conditions within the facility.

The coalition, comprising the Democratic Party, League of Social Democrats of Vojvodina - Vojvođani, People's Movement of Serbia, Srbija Centar, and the Movement for Free Citizens, stated that Serbian authorities, led by Aleksandar Vučić, dismissed previous warnings about the factory's shortcomings. They pointed to import bans on Linglong tires by US and French authorities due to allegations of slave labor and poor working conditions, which they claim the Serbian government ignored.

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Zar vas ni smrt mladog čoveka neće naterati da razmislite šta radite i do koje mere ponižavate Srbiju

"You allowed the Chinese to turn a factory on Serbian soil into territory where domestic laws do not apply, and all previous workplace injuries were concealed from the public," the coalition stated. They questioned whether the young man's death would prompt the government to reconsider its policies and the perceived humiliation of Serbia.

The opposition also directed criticism at Zrenjanin Mayor Simo Salapura, who they claim consistently praised the factory's safety record and dismissed critical voices. They demanded that Salapura address the public and apologize for downplaying the risks. "If you have even a shred of decency and honor, you will," they stated, asserting that officials would be held accountable.

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Gradonačelniče Salapura, nema nastupa u kom niste hvalili stanje bezbednosti u Linglongu. Smejali ste se na sve kritike. Hoćete li danas stati pred medije i izviniti se građanima? Ako imate makar malo obraza i časti, hoćete. Odgovaraćete