Railway Station Scandal: Presidency's Orders Shorten Deadlines, Raising Legal Concerns

Novi Sad Railway Station Renovation: Deadlines Shortened, Legal Concerns Raised Novi Sad, Serbia – An inquiry commission investigating the renovation of Novi Sad's railway station has revealed that deadlines were significantly shortened due to instructions from the Serbian Presidency. This revelation has raised concerns about potential legal violations and sparked debate about transparency in public projects. The commission's report, presented at the Mikser Festival, details how the second phase of the renovation, including the opening of the new station building, was completed on July 5th, 2024. However, the report also states that the deadline for the project's completion was officially shortened to December 31st, 2024, based on instructions from the Presidency. This accelerated timeline raises questions about whether proper procedures were followed. Vladimir Obradović, a professor at the Faculty of Organizational Sciences (FON) and a member of the commission, stated, "The report clearly shows that the deadline was shortened according to instructions from the Presidency." This statement underscores the influence of the Presidency in the project's execution. Retired public prosecutor Snežana Paunović commented on the potential legal implications: "Based on this document, it's clear that the railway was opened earlier than announced. This raises concerns about violations of laws related to public procurement, construction, and contractual obligations. There are potential criminal offenses related to official duties." Her assessment points towards potential legal action. The report's findings highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability in public projects. The shortened deadlines and potential legal violations serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of adhering to established procedures and regulations.