Ministers, Howitzers, and Purple Banknotes
Company PMC Inženjering – a subsidiary of Jugoimport SDPR, plans to demolish a nineteenth-century barracks and surrounding greenery to begin construction of a 100,000-square-meter complex on a loess escarpment above the old town center of Zemun.
TL;DR
- PMC Inženjering, a subsidiary of Jugoimport SDPR, plans to demolish the 'Jakub Kuburović' barracks in Zemun to construct a 100,000 sq m complex.
- The land was acquired by Jugoimport SDPR in 2016 through a government decision, purportedly in exchange for six Nora 155mm howitzers for the Serbian Army.
- The value of the land was estimated at over 8.6 million euros, while the howitzers were valued at just over 4 million euros in 2016.
- Critics highlight a network of connected individuals in politics and state-owned companies involved in the deal, suggesting personal gain over public interest.
- Residents express concerns about potential displacement, environmental damage, the structural integrity of the loess escarpment, and loss of green space.
- Jugoimport SDPR has incurred significant cumulative losses, and its subsidiaries are reportedly covered by state funds.
- Questions are raised about the change in urban plans, which originally designated the area for a park.
- Citizens and activists are preparing to physically defend the remaining trees and bird habitats at the site.