Vucic signals potential early elections, criticizes student movement

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has signaled that parliamentary elections may be held in Serbia within the next 80 to 120 days. Vucic stated his intention to actively participate in the upcoming campaign, not in his presidential capacity, but as a regular citizen supporting the "United Serbia" list. He pledged his full effort to ensure their victory, emphasizing a commitment to democratic principles. "I will give my all for that list to win; if it does not, we will concede, congratulate our opponents, and continue the fight," Vucic declared, adding that a win would be followed by an offer to the defeated to continue dialogue.

Vucic noted that his campaign involvement would be constrained by official duties abroad in September. During his limited time on the campaign trail, he reiterated his intention to maintain a clear separation from his presidential role. He also reported that the "Who are you?" platform, established for reporting corruption and misconduct by officials, has received approximately 5,500 submissions. Vucic addressed submissions from the Bureau for Social Research (BIRODI), dismissing them as political provocations while promising a personal response.

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I will give my all for that list to win; if it does not, we will concede, congratulate our opponents, and continue the fight. If we win, we will extend a hand to the defeated and express our desire to continue talking with them.

Furthermore, Vucic announced plans for a significant new factory in Novi Becej, expected to create over 1,000 jobs, with a particular focus on female employment. During his television appearance, the President sharply criticized the student movement preparing to contest the elections. He labeled the candidates as "incompetent" and "parasites on the state payroll," alleging that many are already employed by state institutions and receive government salaries. "Pay attention, many of them are people from state structures to whom the state pays salaries," Vucic claimed. "There are hardworking people in the civil service, but these people do not respect the state; they have destroyed our universities and schools."

Vucic further characterized the student list as an "interest group" lacking a coherent plan or program. Reports cited by Informer suggest that figures such as Belgrade University Rector Vladan Djokic, retired prosecutor Jasmina Paunovic, and professor Milo Lompar are associated with this list. The President's remarks frame the upcoming elections as a contest between his preferred political forces and what he describes as an incompetent and state-funded opposition.

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Pay attention, many of them are people from state structures to whom the state pays salaries. There are hardworking people in the civil service, but these people do not respect the state; they have destroyed our universities and schools.