Vučić Insults EP Rapporteur for Serbia: "A Cretin Who Speaks Often, Briefly, and Stupidly"

President Aleksandar Vučić unleashed a blistering verbal assault on Tonino Picula, the European Parliament's rapporteur for Serbia, labeling him a "cretin" and a "fool" in response to Picula's critical assessment of the Serbian government's role in regional instability. Vučić's fiery remarks, made to Serbian journalists while attending the World Policy Conference in Châtellerault, France, signal a deep-seated frustration with what he perceives as biased and ill-informed criticism from European officials.

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He speaks often, and it is short and stupid. They think we should flatter them so they change their language about Serbia. You know how much I care about that.

Vučić directly challenged Picula's accusations, particularly those concerning his alleged wartime activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, dismissing them as fabrications. The Serbian president specifically referenced a "Sarajevo safari," a term used to describe alleged paid killings during the Bosnian War, suggesting that officials like Picula invent such narratives. Vučić asserted that his own actions, including his wartime presence, were aimed at defending Serbia, and he expressed disdain for any perceived need to appease critics. He also commended Serbian media for professionally reporting Picula's statements, even if he deemed them "not news."

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I only need to see Picula's picture with a Kalashnikov in his hands to understand his message.

Beyond the personal invective, Vučić used the encounter to deliver a broader critique of Europe's current trajectory. He argued that European nations are "losing important battles" and are falling behind other global powers like the United States and China, particularly in fields such as robotics and artificial intelligence. Vučić implored Europe to be "braver and more open to change," advocating for a more aggressive expansion of European influence in Africa and Asia, rather than getting bogged down in technicalities.

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He is a local cretin sent by Croatia.

From Serbia's perspective, as articulated by Vučić, this exchange highlights a disconnect between Brussels' expectations and Belgrade's reality. While Serbia is striving for progress and economic growth, Vučić feels that certain European officials remain fixated on the past and fail to acknowledge Serbia's efforts. He pointed to Serbia's higher growth rate compared to many European countries, suggesting that Serbia is actively "changing" and looking toward the future. However, he acknowledged that Serbia cannot forget its history, particularly the "most difficult situation for it – Kosovo," and lamented the international community's denial of Serbia's territorial integrity, which he believes causes its misalignment with global politics. This sentiment underscores the complex geopolitical tightrope Serbia navigates, balancing aspirations for European integration with national interests and historical grievances.

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They know that I am always here to defend Serbia and I don't need to fawn over them.