Vučić spars with car wash hose in campaign prep video

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić shared a video on social media showing him washing his car at a self-service car wash, an apparent attempt to portray himself as an "ordinary citizen" ahead of the country's parliamentary elections. The video, posted on August 17, 2026, shows Vučić struggling with the car wash equipment, humorously noting his difficulties with the hose and tokens, and forgetting the floor mats. He captioned the post, "I tried to wash the car. I argued with the hose and tokens, I forgot about the floor mats, but in the end, the operation was partially successful. Preparations for the campaign are nearing completion."

Vučić explained in the video that he had set up his phone to record while driving, emphasizing that there was "much more to do, many roads to repair, and especially to help people who do not live in the center." The post signals his increasing involvement in the political campaign for the parliamentary elections, which he has indicated could take place in October or November. He stated that he would participate in the campaign as a citizen, not as the president, and would not use state resources, instead supporting the "United Serbia" list.

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I tried to wash the car. I argued with the hose and tokens, I forgot about the floor mats, but in the end, the operation was partially successful. Preparations for the campaign are nearing completion.

The parliamentary elections are occurring amidst political tensions in Serbia and follow months of anti-government protests. These demonstrations began after a deadly train station canopy collapse in November 2024, which resulted in 16 fatalities. The timing of Vučić's "ordinary citizen" car wash video highlights his efforts to connect with voters on a personal level while navigating a challenging political landscape.

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There is much more to do, many roads to repair, and especially to help people who do not live in the center.