SNS leader avoids confirming return of former officials for elections

Miloš Vučević, the leader of Serbia's ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), has sidestepped questions regarding media speculation about the return of prominent former party officials to active roles ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections. When asked about reports suggesting that former Serbian President Tomislav Nikolić and ex-ministers Nebojša Stefanović and Zorana Mihailović might rejoin the SNS campaign, Vučević responded, "Well, let them speculate, what can I say?"

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Well, let them speculate, what can I say?

The speculation intensified after Stefanović recently attended an SNS presidency session. The reports, notably from the daily Danas, suggest these "discarded members" could be integrated into the election campaign. Vučević acknowledged that parliamentary elections are approaching within the next 100 days and that "everyone serious" is already engaged in campaigning. He questioned the definition of being "in campaign," suggesting that politicians are perpetually in a state of political activity.

Vučević also addressed criticism that the current government is constantly in campaign mode, citing a recent medicine price reduction as an example. He retorted that it would be best if the state were simply shut down for six months to avoid such accusations. He anticipates a sharp and uncertain election campaign, but expressed confidence that the "Aleksandar Vučić - United Serbia" list has a chance to challenge and potentially defeat opposition lists that currently hold a lead in some polls.

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I don't even know what 'being in campaign' means. Whoever is in politics is probably always in some campaign.

The article provides background on the mentioned figures: Tomislav Nikolić served as President of Serbia from 2012 to 2017 and has largely withdrawn from public life, though he was seen welcoming Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2024. Nebojša Stefanović held ministerial positions from 2014 to 2022 and withdrew from public view after an alleged wiretapping scandal. Zorana Mihailović served in various ministerial roles from 2012 to 2022, left the SNS in 2023 to form a movement critical of the government, but has since appeared on pro-government television channels speaking positively about the ruling party.

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It would be best if they shut down the state for six months, so they wouldn't say it's a campaign.