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Finance minister accused of hiding billion-euro deficit

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Finance Minister Siniša Mali is facing accusations of creating a one billion euro deficit in September, despite his claims of a surplus. This comes as the country prepares for parliamentary elections on October 25, with concerns about election integrity intensifying following reports of political violence at the Republic Electoral Commission (RIK).

Opposition figures, including Zdravko Ponoš, President of Serbia Centre, are considering conditional support for a Students' List minority government, indicating potential shifts in the political landscape. Allegations have also been made about planned takeovers of media outlets Nova.rs and TV Nova, supposedly under the direction of Aleksandar Vučić, who is campaigning to become Prime Minister.

Amidst the political turmoil, a significant Belgrade landmark, the Belgrade Tower, has finally received its operating permit two years after its opening. Separately, a fire has engulfed the 'Club A' hotel on Kopaonik, which was undergoing renovation.

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Finance Minister Accused of Billion-Euro Deficit

An investigation alleges that First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Siniša Mali created a one billion euro deficit in September, contradicting his public statements of a surplus.

Election Campaign Intensifies Amidst Allegations of Violence and Manipulation

The ongoing parliamentary election campaign for October 25 is marked by heightened tensions, with President Aleksandar Vučić's government accused of increasing violence and portraying opponents as enemies. RIK member Dinčić reported that 13 members left a session due to political violence after a request to postpone a decision on diaspora voting was ignored. Concerns about 'criminalization and electoral engineering' by the SNS are also being raised by organizations like CRTA.

Opposition Considers Conditional Support for Minority Government

Zdravko Ponoš, President of Serbia Centre and a Member of the National Assembly, has indicated a willingness to support a Students' List minority government, but not without specific conditions.

Danas Ponoš: Possibility to Support Minority Government, But Not Unconditionally ↗

Allegations of Media Takeover and Scrutiny

The Kreni-promeni movement alleges that former Blic editors Marko Stjepanović and Ivana Mastilović Jasnić are slated to take over Nova.rs and TV Nova, reportedly on orders from Aleksandar Vučić, raising concerns about a planned newsroom takeover. Separately, the Regulatory Body for Electronic Media (REM) has initiated over 10 investigation procedures against media service providers.

Mayor Šapić's Position Under Scrutiny

Aleksandar Simić of the People's Movement of Serbia (PSG) has criticized the ruling party's silence on Belgrade Mayor Aleksandar Šapić, suggesting it indicates weakness and that Šapić's tenure as mayor is nearing its end.

Danas Simić (PSG): Silence on Šapić Shows Weakness, His Days Numbered ↗

Hotel Fire on Kopaonik

A fire broke out around midnight at the 'Club A' hotel on Kopaonik, completely engulfing the facility, which was reportedly undergoing renovation.

Vreme Fire on Kopaonik: 'Club A' Hotel is Burning ↗

Mother Faces Commute for Child with Cerebral Palsy

A mother of a child with cerebral palsy is forced to travel six kilometers to school daily because the system has not responded to her requests for organized transport.

N1 Mother of Child with Cerebral Palsy Faces Long Commute to School ↗

Activists Warn of Flood Risk from Svračkovo Dam

Activists are raising alarms about the potential for a 12-meter high wave to hit Arilje if the Svračkovo dam were to break.

N1 Activists Warn of Flood Risk from Svračkovo Dam ↗