Janjić says Užice was a trial run for Vučić and SNS ahead of elections

Stefan Janjić, secretary-general of the Serbia Centre party and a lawmaker, described incidents during and after a Serbian Progressive Party rally in Užice as a “trial run” for President Aleksandar Vučić and the ruling party ahead of elections.

Speaking to TV Nova, Janjić accused people responsible for securing the rally of clearing cafés and using force against those who wanted to attend or approach the event without being SNS members. He referred to them as “his stewards, or rather, thugs.”

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When I say preparation, I mean above all that his stewards, or rather, thugs, secure the place where the gathering will be held, clear the cafés as happened in Užice and, if necessary, use force against those who want to attend or approach the gathering but are not SNS members.

Janjić said public energy had not declined and that people still had the same willingness to act as during the previous year and a half. With elections now presenting a concrete focus, he said activity on the ground and within the campaign would intensify.

He added that he was not sure the authorities were prepared for that level of activity.

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Now that they have something concrete ahead of them, namely elections, I think this will certainly lead to intensified activity on the ground, within the campaign and through certain processes. I am not sure the authorities are ready for that.