“Chinese-backed infrastructure projects in Serbia remain a contentious issue, drawing sustained criticism from NGOs, analysts and local residents over their environmental, labor and safety issues. While one such project—the Novi Sad train station renovation—sparked recent protests following the deadly collapse of its roof, public outrage has not been directed at Chinese involvement. Rather, most protestors and analysts have placed the blame squarely on the Serbian government, widely viewed as the chief beneficiary of opaque contracts, nepotism, and regulatory negligence.
Indeed, Chinese investments are not necessarily seen as the root cause but mostly as enablers within a wider system of governmental mismanagement and corruption. Similar backlash has also arisen in response to EU-supported projects in Serbia, like the Jadar lithium mine, criticized for its projected environmental damage and lack of public consultation.”
Anja Duvnjak and Leonardo Bruni (ChinaMed, T.wai) on the issue “Serbia’s anti-corruption protests and Serbian perceptions of Chinese investments” of the ChinaMed Observer.
