Serbian Health Minister Advises Opposition: 'Vučić Will Take Talented Ones'

During a tense parliamentary session in Serbia focused on a no-confidence vote against the government, Health Minister Zlatibor Lončar offered what he termed "well-intentioned" advice to the opposition. Lončar suggested that opposition members should "understand reality on time" and hinted that President Aleksandar Vučić might take notice of them, stating that "there are talented people among you, he will surely take someone."

Lončar's remarks appeared to be a veiled suggestion that some opposition figures might be offered opportunities to join the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). He implied that President Vučić might extend an offer to certain opposition actors, facilitating their "defection." The minister cautioned them against being too loud or nervous, emphasizing the need to possess ideas and stances to be considered for such opportunities.

"But I am not sure that Vučić looks at who is louder and who is more nervous," Lončar said. "You must have some idea, some stance – you must have something for him to take you, to help you. If you understand in time, it will be better for you, you won't lose everything."

He further advised the opposition to focus on presenting their plans and programs instead of making excuses for their past failures. Lončar warned that their current parliamentary positions could be jeopardized, potentially being taken by "students," a reference that seemed to allude to the student movement that emerged as a political option in Serbia's past. He concluded by stating, "The first offers are always the best offers, after that they are all worse."