Serbia’s parliamentary debate on a no-confidence motion against the government intensified after Miroslav Aleksić, parliamentary leader of the National Movement of Serbia (NPS) and one of the motion’s sponsors, accused Prime Minister Đuro Macut of lending credibility to what he described as a system of corruption and abuse of power.
Addressing parliament, Aleksić claimed that Macut had allowed his academic and medical credentials to serve as a “fig leaf for looting, corruption, and violence.”
He alleged that contracts related to the construction of facilities for the upcoming EXPO project had been awarded to individuals connected to convicted criminals or people with criminal backgrounds.
“You awarded contracts to convicted criminals, football hooligans, and members of criminal clans. They have become the new elite. Present them to the citizens and tell them: these are the people you serve,” Aleksić said.
The opposition lawmaker described the EXPO project as “the embodiment of crime and corruption” under the rule of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), questioning whether Macut had been informed about the companies carrying out the works.
“You accepted the role of a servant, a figurehead. Your professorship and medical expertise are being used as a cover for corruption and violence in the country,” Aleksić added.
Macut rejected the accusations and argued that commenting on an ongoing criminal investigation referenced by opposition lawmakers would constitute inappropriate interference with judicial authorities.
“There is no need to raise tensions in an already overly tense atmosphere. The purpose of this parliamentary debate is to discuss the government’s achievements and shortcomings and arrive at better solutions,” Macut said.
The prime minister also criticized opposition MPs for addressing him and cabinet ministers personally during the debate, describing such conduct as unworthy of parliament and detrimental to constructive political discussion.
Finance Minister Siniša Mali also entered the debate, accusing Aleksić of failing to answer questions regarding his tenure as mayor of Trstenik and past political promises. Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Dragan Glamočić defended the government’s agricultural policies, rejecting opposition claims about meat imports and arguing that Serbia exports more dairy products than it imports.
The debate is taking place as Serbia’s National Assembly considers a no-confidence motion against Macut’s government, a process that could pave the way for early parliamentary elections if the motion succeeds.
