Dimitri Kerkezes, Secretary General of the International Bureau of Exhibitions, stated that the Expo in Belgrade is not a project of one person, group, or political party, but of the entire nation and region. He emphasized that the Expo should be a national project with broad impact, not just a project of Belgrade. Kerkezes dismissed claims of costs amounting to 18 billion euros, stating the official budget is between 1.2 and 1.3 billion euros, including infrastructure. He also expressed confidence that the Expo will not be canceled due to political instability and will cover its costs. He highlighted that the Expo is important for the future of Serbia and the region and should overcome political conflicts.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the Expo as a unifying national project that transcends political divisions and benefits the entire region. They highlight Kerkezes’ rejection of inflated cost claims and stress the importance of the Expo for future development and international cooperation.
Center: Center-leaning sources focus on the factual aspects of the Expo, including official budget figures, infrastructure development, and the political neutrality of the project. They present Kerkezes’ statements as clarifications to public concerns and emphasize the Expo’s role in regional progress.
Right: Right-leaning media may be more skeptical about the project’s costs and political implications but acknowledge Kerkezes’ assurances that the Expo is not tied to any political faction. They might emphasize the need for transparency and caution regarding large investments, while recognizing the potential benefits for Serbia’s international standing.
