Belgrade Mayor Šapić accuses 'rat-like' SNS factions of harming him over public transport

Belgrade Mayor Aleksandar Šapić has accused "rat-like interest groups" within his own Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) of attempting to damage his reputation by manipulating public transport issues. Šapić asserted that these factions are driven by "petty particular motives" and that their actions ultimately harm the citizens of Belgrade.

Speaking at a press conference, Šapić emphasized his own contributions to improving public transport since taking office, acknowledging the crucial support from the SNS and the ruling majority in the city. However, he also revealed a history of internal party conflict, recalling a previous instance in 2024 where he publicly named then-Minister of Transport Goran Vesić as someone attempting to obstruct him.

Šapić declared his intention to retaliate against those who attack him "under the table," stating he does not engage in such tactics himself. He vowed to confront them directly once their identities are definitively known. The mayor also highlighted that the local policies he implemented four years ago have now become mainstream across Serbia, suggesting that their success is undeniable and supported by top leadership in both the party and the state.

Looking ahead, Šapić expressed no ambition to seek re-election as mayor but hopes the current ruling majority will continue to lead the capital after the next local elections in 2028. He believes this continuity is essential for maintaining the current course of policies and measures. He suggested that some individuals within the party may not grasp the significance of these ongoing efforts, contrasting their apparent lack of understanding with his own extensive experience in electoral politics and decision-making over the past 16 to 18 years.

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Ja sam pre dve, tri godine, jasno imenom i prezimenom definisao ko su ti pacovi, i rekao sam: ko god me bude udario ispod stola, da ću ga ja udariti preko, jer ja ne udaram ispod stola.