The Srbija Centar (SRCE) party has issued a public demand to Belgrade Mayor Aleksandar Šapić, calling for the immediate removal of an informal camp located in Pioneer Park, known colloquially as “Ćacilend.”
In a sharp press release, the opposition party accused the Mayor of hypocrisy, stating it is “unacceptable” to speak of modernization while an illegal settlement has occupied a protected green space directly in front of the City Assembly for the past 14 months.
Allegations of Legal “Double Standards”
SRCE characterizes the camp as more than just an eyesore, describing it as a “paramilitary base” for the ideological defense of President Aleksandar Vučić’s administration. The party claims the camp operates outside of Serbian law with the tacit approval of local police.
“Pioneer Park is not the private property of regime loyalists… it is a protected green area that belongs to all citizens of Belgrade,” the statement read. “This camp represents a direct mockery of the legal order and the institutions of this state.”
Key Concerns Raised:
- Duration: The camp has reportedly been active for over a year (14 months) without intervention.
- Location: Situated in Pioneer Park, a high-profile protected zone between the Presidency and the City Assembly.
- Rule of Law: The party alleges that “mafia codes” rather than state laws apply within the perimeter of the camp, creating a “state within a state.”
Call to Action
The SRCE party urged Mayor Šapić to prioritize the rule of law over political interests and restore the park to its original purpose. As of Monday afternoon, the City of Belgrade and the Mayor’s office have not issued a formal response to these specific demands.
