New Niš Councilor Denies Selling Mandate, Denies SNS Affiliation Amidst Political Squabble

A new councilor in Niš, Serbia, has refuted claims that she sold her mandate or joined the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). Milena Lazarević, who won her seat on the "Dr Dragan Milić" citizens' group list before joining the Justice and Reconciliation Party (SPP), asserted she belongs to neither the ruling majority nor the opposition.

Lazarević clarified at a press conference that her entry into the City Assembly followed the withdrawal of another councilor for health reasons. She denied accusations of selling her mandate, stating, "I have sold nothing." She explained that the SPP focuses on reconciliation and dialogue, and her voting in the assembly will align with citizen decisions.

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I have sold nothing.

She added that the SPP will support all initiatives and proposals regardless of their origin and will criticize what is not good, whether from the government or the opposition. As an entrepreneur, Lazarević also pledged to advocate for the rights of entrepreneurs, whom she described as vital budget contributors lacking sufficient rights.

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She is not part of our councilor group, but we have confirmation from her side that she will vote for good steps and good things for the citizens of Niš, especially in the area of small business and national minorities.

The situation escalated after Niš Mayor Dragoslav Pavlović and Uroš Radulović, head of the SNS councilor group, claimed on the assembly floor that the SNS had gained a 32nd councilor. This assertion drew sharp criticism from opposition members and citizens, who viewed it as an attempt to overturn the election results. Radulović later stated that he did not explicitly say Lazarević belonged to the SNS but confirmed she would vote for measures benefiting Niš citizens, particularly in small business and minority affairs.

Dr. Dragan Milić, head of his own councilor group, strongly condemned the situation. He accused the ruling party of collaborating with a "Russian minority" and parties from Novi Pazar to control Niš, calling it a theft of the citizens' electoral will. Milić invoked the legacy of the late Mufti Muamer Zukorlić, questioning if he would have endorsed such actions.

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Gentlemen from Novi Pazar, do you want to rule Niš, do you think you can achieve something in political life by stealing the electoral will of Niš residents. If you think so, you are greatly mistaken.