Srđan Milivojević: Time no longer works for Vučić; referendum atmosphere must become victory

Srđan Milivojević, president of the Democratic Party, asserts that the prevailing "referendum atmosphere" can be leveraged into a victory, particularly as he believes "time is no longer working for President Vučić." He stated that the Democratic Party, founded on European principles, supports Serbia's integration into the European Union but stresses that a free Serbia is a prerequisite for any European future.

Milivojević described the student movement as a heterogeneous organization, free from ideological coloring. He argued against reducing the European Union issue to specific political factions or the number of mandates secured by pro-European lists. Instead, he called for a comprehensive demand directed at the electorate, uniting citizens under a single banner: "for Serbia, against the mafia."

The Democratic Party reaffirmed its year-old support for the student movement, a decision that has remained consistent. Milivojević indicated that the level of support for the student list was determined by March 15 and confirmed at the May 23 protest. He urged that this "referendum atmosphere" must be converted into a victory, warning against fragmenting it for the sake of individual mandates or privileges.

While the Democratic Party has stepped back from running in the upcoming elections, it remains committed to mobilizing citizens. Milivojević expressed reluctance to interpret the stances of other political parties regarding initiatives for a pro-European coalition but reiterated the importance of not undermining the "referendum atmosphere." He suggested that any attempt to create separate factions detracts from the broader public discontent articulated by the student list, potentially benefiting Aleksandar Vučić.

Milivojević praised the student movement for effectively articulating public dissatisfaction in a way no political organization has managed. He highlighted that the movement did not arise from students seeking personal mandates or privileges. He concluded by stating that political parties would not disappear if they supported student demands and took a step back to allow society to advance, framing it as the only correct decision for any political party.