Vučić's Operation Storm commemoration speech draws criticism for electioneering

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić delivered a speech in Mrkonjić Grad commemorating the 31st anniversary of Operation Storm, an event that marked a significant turning point in the Croatian War of Independence. While acknowledging the pain and loss, Vučić's address also touched upon Serbian identity and a call for regional peace, though its tone and timing have drawn criticism.

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And since I am speaking for the last time as President of the Republic, forgive Nevenka in the name of all citizens of Serbia, Serbs from Serbia, that Serbia was weak, that it was silent, that it hid you, that it was silent about the crimes, that it did not allow you to come to Belgrade, that it hid you from the highways, forgive us, and we will not forgive ourselves for your tears and the eyes of Siniša Dobrić.

In an emotional moment, Vučić apologized to Nevenka Dobrić, the mother of a 12-year-old boy killed in 1995, on behalf of all Serbian citizens. "Forgive us, and we will not forgive ourselves for your tears and the eyes of Siniša Dobrić," he stated, acknowledging Serbia's past "weakness" and "silence" regarding the atrocities.

Vučić also addressed the complex relationship between Serbs and Croats, rejecting the notion of "Croatian Serbs." "We are not Croatian, nor Bosnian, nor Serbian; we are just Serbs. We belong to the same people, we always will, and do not divide us," he declared, urging against the invention of names that could lead to reciprocal naming.

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We are not Croatian, nor Bosnian, nor Serbian; we are just Serbs. We belong to the same people, we always will, and do not divide us, do not invent names for us, so that we do not start inventing names for you.

However, historians have offered critical perspectives on Vučić's speech. Milan St. Protić described it as "cheap phrases that sound but carry no meaning," comparing it to "Šešelj's empty talk" that has poisoned relations for decades. Historian Hrvoje Klasić noted the increased attention Serbia officially paid to Operation Storm this year, suggesting it is linked to upcoming elections and Vučić's positioning as a "great savior and messiah" for Serbs.

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This is Seselj's empty talk that we have been listening to since the 1990s onwards, the same story all the time which incites and poisons this unfortunate nation on both sides of the Drina. There is nothing smart, fundamental, or visionary in it, nor is there anything sincere.

Both historians emphasized the need for introspection. St. Protić stated that "Each of these peoples must look at themselves in the mirror, each of these peoples, not look over the fence, not point fingers at the other as the culprit." The differing perspectives on the 1995 operation continue to highlight the unresolved tensions and differing narratives surrounding the conflict.

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I think the reason is very clear, and that is the current situation in Serbia, the upcoming elections and Vučić is now walking around Serbia and the region playing the role of some great savior, a messiah, a brave Serbian leader who will never again allow any 'Storms', but I remind people that he was saying this in 1995 in Glina too.