Serbian politicians clash over election strategy: 'Authentic right' vs. 'authentic mafia'

Belgrade – A debate is emerging among Serbian political figures regarding the optimal strategy for upcoming parliamentary elections, particularly concerning the division of the electorate. Miloš Jovanović, leader of the New Democratic Party of Serbia (Novi DSS), emphasizes the need for an "authentic right" to drive political change, while Srđan Milivojević, president of the Democratic Party (DS), argues against such divisions.

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We have prepared a team for election mobilization and have proceeded with preparations for strong support for the student list. We believe it is important to prepare a referendum atmosphere… There is a new political force, the student movement. They have raised the flag of freedom high… We call on everyone to join the referendum atmosphere which will have only one question - either Serbia or the progressive mafia.

Milivojević stated that the Democratic Party will participate in the elections, supporting a student movement's list. He believes a "referendum atmosphere" is crucial, framing the choice as "Serbia or the progressive mafia." He urged all citizens and political forces committed to Serbia's liberation to join this bloc, offering the DS's resources, including potential seats on the Republic Electoral Commission, to the students.

In contrast, Jovanović indicated that the New DSS is already campaigning and is prepared to begin gathering votes. He asserted that "without the votes of the right, there will be no change," suggesting that many right-wing voters have specific concerns, such as EU membership and the status of Kosovo and Metohija, that must be addressed. Jovanović also proposed that his party would support the students and pro-European parties in forming a technical government to oust the current administration.

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We have been campaigning for a year and a half… We are completely ready. We are at the low start, we can start collecting votes… The political messages are clear, billboards are being prepared, spots are coming out. As an authentic right, we are here to contribute to the change of regime. Without the votes of the right, there will be no change.

Milivojević countered Jovanović's focus on ideological divisions by stating, "I think there is only authentic mafia and authentic fighters against the mafia in this country." He believes the student movement represents the "authentic fighters" and that the focus should not be on dividing voters into left and right, but on confronting the established power structure. He suggested that discussions about EU membership can occur later, implying that the immediate priority is regime change.

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I think that in this country there is only authentic mafia and authentic fighters against the mafia. Authentic fighters against the mafia have defined themselves as the student movement. The mafia has already been defined, it is known who the mafia is in this country and I don't think there is a possibility of imposing another topic.