British Times on Vučić: Time may be running out for the European 'chameleon' playing between East and West

The British Times has published an extensive report detailing Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić's complex political maneuvering between Moscow and Brussels, alongside the rise of a student protest movement that, according to opinion polls, garners more support than the current government. The newspaper likens Vučić to a "medieval king" receiving pleas, recounting an instance in Nova Varoš where citizens sought employment, with one elderly man lamenting his son's inability to find work despite attending ruling Serbian Progressive Party rallies.

Vučić's sharp retort to a citizen, stating "I am not a jukebox that fulfills everyone's personal requests. I will not haggle with you for a kilometer of road to your house or 80 meters to your gate. That makes no sense," underscores the growing public discontent. The Times notes that this dissatisfaction, stemming from corruption and escalating living expenses, has coalesced into a protest movement now surpassing the president's approval ratings.

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I am not a jukebox that fulfills everyone's personal requests. I will not haggle with you for a kilometer of road to your house or 80 meters to your gate. That makes no sense.

The article also examines Vučić's announcements of potential resignation and his speculation on election dates, drawing parallels to Russian President Vladimir Putin's tactics. The "Expo" project, described as Vučić's "grand project" valued at 1.1 billion pounds, is also under scrutiny. The Times reports that subcontractors, some linked to the ruling elite and facing accusations of bribery, have profited immensely, with the identities of those receiving funds kept secret due to new legislation exempting Expo from public procurement regulations.

Furthermore, the report indicates increasing skepticism towards Vučić within the European Union, referencing a European Parliament resolution. However, Western diplomats in Belgrade are hesitant to adopt a tougher stance, fearing it would push Vučić further into Russia's embrace. Political scientist Nikola Burazer is quoted saying, "The nature of this dictatorship is directly linked to what the EU expects from Serbia. It is an autocracy fully adapted to remaining on good terms with the EU."

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The nature of this dictatorship is directly linked to what the EU expects from Serbia. It is an autocracy fully adapted to remaining on good terms with the EU.