Jovanović: Vučić's call for dialogue insults citizens' intelligence

Miloš Jovanović, the leader of the New Democratic Party of Serbia (NDSS), has dismissed Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić's recent call for dialogue as an insult to citizens' intelligence. Jovanović argued that genuine dialogue cannot be achieved by sitting down with an "autocrat."

“

Dialogue is not achieved by sitting down with an autocrat.

In a written statement, Jovanović asserted that in democratic societies, dialogue is fostered through respect for laws governing public information and electronic media, which mandate media pluralism. He emphasized that opposition representatives should have regular opportunities to appear on national frequency television channels to present views contrary to those of the ruling party.

Jovanović contended that this is not the case in Serbia, accusing Vučić of preventing the existence of free media. He highlighted his personal experience, stating he has not been featured on any national commercial television channel for over four years, specifically since April 3, 2022. The NDSS also noted this lack of access.

“

In normal, democratic states and societies, dialogue is achieved by, for example, respecting the laws on public information and electronic media that mandate the existence of media pluralism.

Furthermore, Jovanović criticized the situation regarding the public service broadcaster, RTS. He stated that in nearly three years, he has only been invited to RTS three times, averaging one invitation every eleven months. "I can testify to the absence of dialogue," Jovanović declared, adding that "dialogue is prevented by the very person who supposedly calls for it."

“

This is not the case in Serbia because Vučić does not allow the existence of free media.

Jovanović believes that only the results of legitimate and free elections can be accepted, suggesting that those announced by Vučić will not meet these criteria. President Vučić had previously invited political opponents to dialogue as elections approach, calling conversation "the essence of democracy."

“

I can testify to the absence of dialogue.