Stefanović: Dačić defending Paunović shows SPS hasn't broken from Milošević's politics

Borko Stefanović, deputy leader of the Party of Freedom and Justice (SSP), has strongly criticized Serbia's Interior Minister Ivica Dačić. Stefanović contends that Dačić's defense of fellow Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS) member Snežana Paunović, who reportedly stated she would have "ethnically cleansed Kosovo" if she had been in Slobodan Milošević's position, demonstrates that Milošević's policies remain influential within the SPS leadership.

Stefanović asserted that instead of condemning remarks that evoke ethnic cleansing, Dačić chose to relativize and defend them. He argued that over two decades later, the SPS still lacks the strength to distance itself from the policies of the past, which he blames for bringing wars, international isolation, sanctions, bombing, and a severe economic and social crisis to Serbia. Stefanović accused the SPS, in conjunction with the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), of perpetuating a harmful pattern that divides society, promotes violence, persecutes free thinkers, and creates an atmosphere reminiscent of the 1990s, leading millions to leave or wish to leave Serbia.

The SSP deputy leader emphasized the necessity for Serbia to achieve a "final break" from the policies of Milošević and Vojislav Šešelj, which he claims are currently being implemented by their political successors, President Aleksandar Vučić and Minister Dačić. Stefanović suggested that these leaders have sustained themselves politically for over three decades solely through such policies.

Stefanović questioned how, in 2026, high-ranking state officials can still relativize or justify statements that advocate for ethnic cleansing. He concluded by stating that the citizens of Serbia are not interested in hearing government representatives fantasize about what Slobodan Milošević should have done. Instead, they desire assurances of job security, decent wages, and functioning institutions that serve the public interest.