Serbian President Responds to Worker Fired for Missing Rally

During a visit to the Toplica district, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić addressed a utility worker's claim of being fired for not attending a rally. The worker stated he had been employed on a contract basis for eight years and was dismissed because he refused to participate in a political gathering.

Vučić responded to the worker's assertion by saying that if the reason for dismissal was indeed his non-attendance at the rally, then "they will all get fired." He also noted that if this was not the reason, the worker would not get a new job. This exchange was captured in a video published by the organization Crta on social media.

Following the video's release, Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić criticized Crta, an NGO, for allegedly presenting the information selectively. Brnabić argued that the full context of the conversation was easily audible in the video and that Vučić clearly asked the worker if he was fired for not attending the rally, adding that if this were the case, "they will all get fired."

Brnabić suggested that Crta omitted parts of the exchange because it did not fit their narrative. The organization Crta, in response to Brnabić's comments, questioned the president's authority to dismiss anyone. The incident highlights ongoing political tensions and debates surrounding employment practices and political participation in Serbia.