Serbian opposition leader: Belgrade's dominance destroying the country
Translated from Serbian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The leader of the New Democratic Party of Serbia, Miloš Jovanović, stated that the current government has lost its legitimacy and will fall in the next elections.
- Jovanović criticized the ruling party for inciting violence against peaceful protesters and disrespecting opponents, vowing accountability.
- He advocated for cooperation with the EU but not membership, citing concerns over territorial integrity, economic damage, and social policies, while promoting decentralization to combat
Miloš Jovanović, president of the New Democratic Party of Serbia (Novi DSS), declared the current government has lost all legitimacy and will be defeated in the upcoming elections. Speaking at a forum in Niš, Jovanović accused Aleksandar Vučić's administration of crossing a line by encouraging the mistreatment of peaceful protesters and by officials displaying offensive gestures. He asserted that those in power will be held accountable for their actions.
Jovanović framed a change in government as the essential first step towards broader reforms, emphasizing that the success of the student list and the authentic right-wing movement is crucial for this political shift. He reiterated his party's stance on cooperating with the European Union but firmly opposing membership. This opposition stems from concerns that EU accession would necessitate relinquishing Serbia's territorial integrity, damaging the domestic economy, accepting same-sex marriage, and managing uncontrolled migration.
We advocate for decentralization because we believe that 'Belgrade-ization' is destroying Serbia.
"We advocate for decentralization because we believe that 'Belgrade-ization' is destroying Serbia," Jovanović stated. He argued that citizens desire good salaries, effective healthcare, quality education for their children, and trustworthy institutions, asserting that these goals do not require EU membership. He believes that the authentic right-wing movement guarantees a shift in policy following a change in government.
Change of government is the first necessary step towards bigger changes, and the regime cannot be changed without a good result from the student list and the authentic right-wing, while the authentic right-wing guarantees that a change of policy will also occur.
Originally published by N1 Serbia in Serbian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.