Deputy leader of the opposition Party of Freedom and Justice (SSP), Goran Petrović, has strongly criticized recent amendments to two government decrees in Serbia, claiming they reduce transparency and weaken accountability in the legislative process linked to EU integration.
According to Petrović, the changes that entered into force on April 4 effectively limit public oversight of draft laws and remove obligations for ministries to clearly present the financial and social impact of proposed legislation.
Allegations of reduced transparency
Petrović argued that under the new framework, ministers are no longer required to explain the expected costs or benefits of proposed laws before they are adopted. He also claimed that public consultations risk becoming a “formality without substance.”
He warned that the real impact of laws will only become apparent after implementation, while responsibility for potential negative consequences would be unclear.
Criticism of institutional changes
The SSP official also stated that the new regulations reduce the role of Serbia’s Secretariat for Public Policies and bypass expert analysis that would normally assess the impact of EU-aligned legislation on the economy and citizens.
He described the move as a step backward in institutional transparency and policy evaluation standards.
Comparison to past governance models
In his remarks, Petrović drew a controversial historical comparison, claiming that the current government’s approach resembles governance practices from the era of Slobodan Milošević, alleging that decrees are being used to bypass formal legal procedures.
He further argued that Serbia is being treated as a “laboratory” for lawmaking without accountability, with citizens bearing the consequences of insufficient oversight.
Call for withdrawal of changes
Petrović called on the government to immediately revoke the amended regulations on regulatory impact assessment and public policy methodology, stating that they contradict Serbia’s legal framework for planning and governance.
