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NIS License Nears Deadline Amidst EPS Valuation, Political Rifts

Serbia faces a critical economic juncture as the operating license for NIS is set to expire on Friday, with a decision on its renewal expected in a photo finish. This comes as Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS) has appointed a new firm to assess its assets, a step that could pave the way for the company to become a joint-stock entity and potentially lead to sales.

In the political sphere, the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS) is grappling with internal dissent, with the fate of Branko Ružić, a Vice-President of the SPS, expected to be decided on Saturday. Ivica Dačić, the Interior Minister and President of the SPS, has expressed an opinion that Ružić may no longer be a suitable party member. Meanwhile, an exclusive interview with Vukasin Vujicic, a prosecutor from Valjevo, reveals his belief that an attack against him was a warning to those working lawfully.

Other significant domestic developments include a new forecast predicting Serbia's fourth heatwave of the season will persist through September, and Telekom Serbia's confirmed acquisition of another television station, UNA. Additionally, aircraft belonging to Er Pink, previously linked to an international scandal, have been sold to businessman Branislav Grujić, co-founder and co-president of PSP-Farman Holding.

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NIS License Expiration and EPS Asset Valuation

The license for Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS) is slated to expire on Friday, with a decision on its renewal anticipated at the last minute, indicating a challenging situation. Concurrently, Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS) has selected a new company to assess its real estate and equipment, a move that aligns with EPS's transition to a joint-stock company and opens possibilities for future sales.

Attack on Valjevo Prosecutor and Rule of Law Concerns

Vukasin Vujicic, a prosecutor from Valjevo whose car was set on fire earlier this month, stated in an exclusive interview that the attack was intended as a warning to all those dedicated to lawful and ethical work. This incident follows public targeting and pressures against the prosecutor regarding cases he is handling.

Internal Political Dissent and Election Maneuvering

The Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS) is facing internal challenges as the political future of Branko Ružić, a Vice-President of the SPS, is expected to be decided on Saturday. Ivica Dačić, the Interior Minister and President of the SPS, has indicated Ružić may no longer be a suitable party member. This comes as the SPS plans to run independently in upcoming elections, a move that has generated internal party debate and criticism.

Media Acquisitions and Business Deals

Telekom Serbia has confirmed the acquisition of another television station, UNA, integrating it into its expanding media group. Additionally, aircraft previously owned by Er Pink, which were involved in an international scandal, have been sold to businessman Branislav Grujić, co-founder and co-president of PSP-Farman Holding.

Persistent Wildfires and Political Implications

While the wildfire situation in Deliblatska Peščara has stabilized, fires remain active near Vranje. One analysis critically links the ongoing environmental crisis, including wildfires, to the regime's dysfunctionality and pre-election campaigning, suggesting a political exploitation of the situation by Aleksandar Vučić, the former President of Serbia.

Economic and Social Concerns

Nadežda Satarić, a social worker and president of the Association of Citizens 'Snaga prijateljstva' - Amity, highlights that the true concern with pensions is their purchasing power, not merely their nominal increase, arguing that one-time aid offers no lasting solution. Separately, an analysis by Ivan Radak, Editor of Forbes Serbia, suggests the 'Belgrade Waterfront' project needs continuous expansion into new urban areas, with its growth only stoppable by electoral outcomes.

Education System Under Scrutiny

Concerns are raised over the functional illiteracy of 15-year-olds in Serbia, with a five-year plan proposed to address this educational gap. Additionally, proposed amendments to the Law on the Foundations of the System of Education and Upbringing are under scrutiny, with suggestions that they may be designed to favor compliant groups over others. The government's manipulation of populist and nationalist sentiments under the guise of 'identity studies' is also criticized by Milan Ćulibrk…

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