Sweden cuts aid to Serbian government, citing corruption and rule of law failures, redirecting funds to civil society organisations instead
STOCKHOLM: Sweden has announced it will redirect aid away from the Serbian government due to concerns over growing corruption and failures to uphold the rule of law.
This decision comes as Serbia marks the first anniversary of a railway station roof collapse in Novi Sad that killed 16 people and triggered mass anti-corruption protests.
The Swedish government stated that parts of its support to Serbian state authorities will be discontinued and redirected toward strengthening civil society.
For opponents of President Aleksandar Vucic, the rail station accident became a powerful symbol of Serbia’s entrenched corruption problems.
Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation Benjamin Dousa strongly criticised the growing corruption and failure to uphold rule of law principles in Serbia.
He emphasised that countries cannot expect Swedish support if they fail to deliver expected reforms and development.
Serbia’s foreign ministry regretfully noted Sweden’s announcement while arguing that measurable progress had been achieved in numerous areas.
The ministry expressed expectation that any assessment of reform efforts would be based on realistic indicators rather than political narratives.
Since the train station tragedy, Serbia has experienced regular student-led protests initially demanding a transparent investigation.
These protests have since broadened to include calls for early elections and have led to significant political changes.
The movement resulted in the prime minister’s resignation, the collapse of his government, and the formation of a new administration.
Nationalist president Vucic has remained defiantly in office despite these political upheavals.
Several violent episodes have occurred during the mostly peaceful protest movement, with particularly severe clashes in August.
Vucic has regularly labelled demonstrators as foreign-funded coup plotters attempting to destabilise the country.
Members of his SNS party have promoted conspiracy theories suggesting the train station collapse might have been an orchestrated attack.
The European Parliament adopted a resolution in late October supporting the rights of Serbian citizens to peaceful protest.
The resolution simultaneously condemned what it described as state repression against protesters.
The Swedish government stated it is closely monitoring developments in Serbia and has noted long-standing reform shortcomings.
These shortcomings specifically relate to fighting corruption and ensuring rule of law, freedom of expression, and press freedom. – AFP
