Serbian Prime Minister Miloš Vučević has chosen replacements for Minister of Transport, Construction and Infrastructure Goran Vesic and Minister of Internal and Foreign Trade Tomislav Momirović, who resigned from their posts earlier this month due to the tragedy in Novi Sad, Serbian newspapers reported.
On November 1, the concrete canopy of the train station collapsed in the northern Serbian city, killing 14 people on the spot, one seriously injured later died at the Vojvodina Clinical Center.
Vucevic has authorized the Minister of Economy, Adriana Mesarovic, to exercise the powers of the Minister of Internal and Foreign Trade, and the Minister of Public Investments, Darko Glisic, to exercise the powers of the Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, regional television En 1 reported, citing an official announcement in the State Gazette.
According to the decisions published in the State Gazette, both Glišić and Mesarović have additional new powers from November 25 until the election of new construction and trade ministers.
On November 5, Goran Vesic resigned as Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure in the Government of the Republic of Serbia due to public pressure following the collapse of the Novi Sad railway station visor. On November 21, Vesic was arrested and is currently being treated in a hospital because his health deteriorated following the announced hunger strike hours after he was detained.
The former minister is still under arrest, but according to established procedures, he is under medical supervision in a hospital, the director of the prison in Novi Sad told TANYUG.
The High Court of the northern Serbian city ordered up to 30 days of detention for Goran Vesic at the request of the High Prosecutor’s Office.
Goran Vesic is my friend, I don’t give up on my friends, commented Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic last night to the local Pink TV. Vucic added that he did not understand why Vesic was arrested. Via Pink TV, Vucic also said that Goran Vesic is not hiding from justice and cannot influence the investigation because he is no longer a minister.
On November 20, Tomislav Momirović resigned from the post of Minister of Internal and Foreign Trade because of the tragedy in Novi Sad. He is not among the total of 13 arrested persons, for whom the court ordered up to 30 days in prison.
Only two of the detained representatives of the executive power are currently under house arrest with electronic monitoring, as they are single mothers, writes BTA.
How might the tragedy at Novi Sad influence future infrastructure safety policies in Serbia?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Infrastructure Expert
Editor: Good morning, and thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent tragic events in Novi Sad that led to significant changes in the Serbian government. To start, can you provide us with an overview of what transpired at the Novi Sad train station on November 1st?
Expert: Good morning, and thank you for having me. On November 1st, a concrete canopy at the Novi Sad train station unexpectedly collapsed, resulting in the immediate deaths of 14 individuals, with an additional victim succumbing to injuries later at the Vojvodina Clinical Center. This appalling incident has stirred public outrage and raised serious concerns about infrastructure safety in Serbia.
Editor: It was indeed a tragic day for the nation. Following this incident, we saw the resignation of two prominent ministers, Goran Vesic and Tomislav Momirović. What was the public and political response to their resignations?
Expert: The resignations were a direct response to the overwhelming public pressure that arose from the accident. Many citizens felt that the government officials accountable for infrastructure safety should take responsibility, especially given the severity of the disaster. It’s not uncommon for political figures to step down after such incidents, particularly when public trust is at stake.
Editor: Serbian Prime Minister Miloš Vučević has acted swiftly by appointing interim ministers—Adriana Mesarovic and Darko Glisic—until new ministers are appointed. How critical is it to ensure competent leadership during this transitional period?
Expert: It’s vital for the government to maintain steady leadership, especially in ministries that impact public safety and infrastructure. The appointed individuals need to be not only capable of managing their departments effectively but also able to restore public confidence in the government’s commitment to safety and thorough investigations into what went wrong. Their temporary leadership is crucial, as it allows for continuity while setting the stage for reforms.
Editor: The recent decisions announced in the State Gazette reflect that the new ministers have additional powers during this transitional period. What do you think should be their immediate priorities?
Expert: Their immediate priorities should include conducting a thorough investigation into the causes of the collapse and ensuring that such incidents do not recur. This means evaluating existing infrastructure, enforcing safety regulations, and possibly initiating a broader assessment of public buildings and transport structures. Transparent communication with the public is also essential to rebuild trust.
Editor: Moving forward, how do you see the potential impact of this tragedy on Serbia’s infrastructure policy and investment strategies?
Expert: This tragedy could serve as a wake-up call for the Serbian government to prioritize infrastructure resilience and safety in their policy-making. I anticipate that we might see increased investment in maintenance and upgrades of existing structures, as well as more rigorous enforcement of safety standards. Additionally, this might lead to greater scrutiny of public procurement processes to prevent future negligence.
Editor: It will indeed be interesting to see how the government responds in both the short and long term. Thank you for sharing your insights with us today. As always, staying informed is vital, especially in times like these when public safety is at stake.
Expert: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep these discussions going, as public awareness and dialog are key components in driving positive change.