Jasna Vojnić, the President of the Croatian National Council (HNV) in Serbia, has forcefully rejected claims made by Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić, who accused Zagreb of backing and orchestrating the recent student-led anti-government protests in Belgrade.
Vojnić emphasized that Croatia maintains a strict policy of non-interference regarding the domestic politics of its neighbors, echoing a stance previously articulated by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.
HNV Official Stance: “Croatia has its own priorities, its own policies, and does not meddle in the internal affairs of Serbia,” Vojnić stated. “Zagreb is in no way instigating the events unfolding in Serbia, nor is it organizing the student and citizen protests for which it is being blamed.”
War of Words Over Civil Disobedience
The diplomatic friction follows a highly volatile weekend in Belgrade, culminating in mass demonstrations on May 23. Protesters blocked key transit points, including Slavija Square, drawing sharp condemnation from the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
Appearing on the pro-government TV Pink, Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić leveled serious allegations against foreign intelligence agencies and regional neighbors, singling out Croatia:
- Allegations of Direct Instructions: Brnabić claimed that Serbian student blockaders are receiving strategic scripts from abroad. “They directly receive foreign instructions on whether to split up, whether to march in one, two, or three columns. This is not a strategy they came up with themselves,” she asserted.
- Geopolitical Motivations: Brnabić argued that Zagreb’s “strategic interest” is the overthrow of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s administration.
- A Hostile Ultimatum: Addressing the demonstrators directly, the Parliament Speaker remarked, “You don’t like Serbia? Go ahead, look, Croatia has open doors for you.”
Warning Against Ethnic Intolerance
Vojnić criticized Brnabić’s rhetoric, warning that using Croatia as a political scapegoat severely damages bilateral relations and needlessly fuels ethnic animosity between Serbs and the Croat minority living within Serbia.
“These statements do not contribute to calming tensions or improving state-level relations,” Vojnić countered. “On the contrary, we desire constructive dialogue and cooperation. We have no wish to be dragged into Serbia’s internal disputes.”
The HNV President concluded by stating that the current attempt to manufacture hostility between the two nations has “no basis in reality,” reiterating that the Croatian community in Serbia remains committed to being a peaceful, constructive partner to Belgrade rather than a geopolitical tool.
