Aleksandar Jovanović Ćuta, leader of the Ecological Uprising and member of parliament, spoke on N1’s Novi Dan about the current political situation in Serbia, highlighting the consolidation of President Aleksandar Vučić’s power and the fragmented opposition. He stressed that a coordinated strategy between the opposition and the student movement is essential for any change in government.
“With Vučić, everything is clear as day. It’s a perfectly packaged machine whose only goal is to remain in power—and he’s very successful at it,” Ćuta said.
He contrasted this with the opposition and other forces seeking change, which he described as lacking clarity and coordination.
“Instead of creating a clear plan—defining who we are, who will lead, what our policies are, and what our goals should be—we keep going in circles,” he said.
Ćuta criticized fragmented street protests, pointing to isolated demonstrations by lawyers and farmers, such as milk spills, which the state has treated as social issues.
“Every state should protect those who feed its citizens. You protect the land and water that sustain everyone,” he explained.
He also emphasized that social media, like Twitter, should not dictate public uprisings and voiced concern for younger participants in demonstrations, wanting them to avoid “repeats” of past events.
“Vučić will rule for 100 years if we do not sit down and coordinate,” he warned.
“If you refuse to talk to Vučić, that’s your choice. But refusing to talk to other people, including the opposition, is a mistake. Without every single person committed to challenging Vučić, he won’t fall. Our divisions and egos are at the core of the problem. We need to sit, talk, and make a plan.”
Ćuta called on the student movement to engage constructively, stressing urgency:
“I hope they know what they’re doing. Vučić won’t fall unless we all agree on the next steps. Time is running out, and meanwhile, he consolidates his voter base. On March 15, that machine almost collapsed. Now it’s politically stabilized, and we’re still wandering the streets. Fifteen of us stand in front of the General Staff, frustrated, bickering. It’s time to come together and talk.”
Regarding the upcoming local elections, Ćuta said the Ecological Uprising will selectively participate but will monitor all contests closely.
He emphasized that the fundamental political divide is Serbia’s stance toward the European Union.
