Professor Ognjen Radonjić spoke out regarding the 15-month anniversary of the tragic collapse in Novi Sad, which claimed 16 lives, emphasizing that the disaster was not only due to systemic failures but also corruption and poor oversight by the state.
Radonjić cited an unpublished internal document showing serious violations in the construction of the second section of the Novi Sad–Kelebija road, including:
- Direct awarding of contracts to contractors and subcontractors, many without state approval.
- Non-compliance with technical and safety standards, using unauthorized materials and working during restricted hours.
- Financial irregularities, including an estimated €700 million lost, and unjustified changes to project specifications to switch from EU grants to Chinese loans.
He criticized former Minister Zorana Mihajlović and the government for prioritizing political and financial interests over public safety, calling the suspension of proper oversight “a suspension of the legal order” and labeling it a betrayal of the state.
Radonjić warned that infrastructure projects remain a major source of corruption and criminal activity, and stressed that without systemic reforms, justice will remain elusive.
