Serbian Opposition Leader Accuses Government of Vote-Buying Ahead of Elections

Zdravko Ponoš, president of the Serbia Center (SRCE) party, asserted that the Serbian government requires a budget rebalance to secure votes ahead of elections, arguing that the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) cannot contest the vote based on its performance.

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It's no longer enough to steal using standard methods; voters' votes must be bought, and you're doing it where you think it's cheapest, from the poor.

"It's no longer enough to steal using standard methods; voters' votes must be bought, and you're doing it where you think it's cheapest, from the poor," Ponoš stated in parliament. He accused the SNS of deliberately creating a class of impoverished and spiritually destitute individuals to ensure loyalty. "Only he can solve their troubles, only he can get people's children jobs in the BIA, only he can fix the water supply and sewage, fix three meters of road and everything that civilized people in Europe have," Ponoš said, sarcastically referencing President Aleksandar Vučić's promises.

Ponoš further criticized the government's handling of recent fires, stating that the country and its people are paying the price for the political misuse of expertise. He also commented on the situation in Kosovo, noting that KFOR's commander is discussing issues with monks rather than Belgrade, and expressed disappointment with NATO's lack of response to a letter from Vučić.

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Only he can solve their troubles, only he can get people's children jobs in the BIA, only he can fix the water supply and sewage, fix three meters of road and everything that civilized people in Europe have.

Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić reprimanded Ponoš for calling Serbian citizens "poor" in parliament, stating that while he might despise them, no one would be humiliated in the Assembly. She denied him a further response after a series of exchanges.

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Maybe you despise them, but you will not humiliate anyone in the National Assembly of Serbia.