Director: Elections unlikely in October, Vučić pushing campaign to reveal opposition's hand

Stevan Ristić, director of the Serbian weekly Vreme, believes President Aleksandar Vučić is not preparing for October elections but is instead using the current period to drive a campaign. Ristić suggests Vučić's strategy is to measure his maximum potential support and compel the opposition to reveal their plans and platforms.

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I really think he has been pushing a campaign for the last few months, but he is pushing a campaign to constantly measure what is exactly the maximum he can achieve.

"He wants to see the other side's cards," Ristić stated, explaining that Vučić is waiting for potential candidates to emerge, such as those mentioned by students, to understand the opposition's program. Ristić characterized this approach as avoiding an "unknown enemy."

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He wants to see the other side's cards.

The director also noted that Vučić's campaign appears to rely heavily on instilling fear, a tactic he has employed for 14 years. This involves warning voters that their salaries and pensions could be cut if the opposition takes power. Ristić observed that Vučić simultaneously tries to maintain appeal with younger demographics, acknowledging that people often know and sympathize with students, while also suggesting that the opposition might not field the "good, young people" but rather "blockaders."

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The worst enemy is an unknown enemy.

Ristić commented on the students' proposed themes, including protecting employees, investigating corruption scandals, and changing strike laws. He also mentioned specific issues like the procurement of respirators during the COVID-19 pandemic and the incident involving a collapsed canopy. Ristić believes these topics, if pursued by serious individuals, could lead to a more complex program than initially presented.

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Playing on those fears, which he has done very well for the last 14 years, he actually solidifies his voters by saying 'leave that alternative alone'.