Zdravko Ponoš, leader of the Serbia Centre (SRCE) party, welcomed Serbian President and ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) official Aleksandar Vučić’s decision to cancel a rally in Novi Sad that had been scheduled for Friday, September 4.
Ponoš described the decision as “smart” and “almost responsible,” but criticized Vučić for accompanying the announcement with what he called insults and threats against political opponents.
“Smart. Almost responsible. What was missing was for his explanation to be responsible, statesmanlike and conciliatory. But he couldn’t resist adding some insults and threats against everyone who is not his. But that’s him,” Ponoš wrote on X.
He said one phrase in Vučić’s explanation was particularly alarming: the president’s statement that the rally was being postponed in order to “save lives.”
Ponoš described the remark as a “horrifying diagnosis of the state of our country,” arguing that it raised questions about why the appearance of the country’s president at a public gathering would allegedly carry a risk to people’s lives.
“Well, Vučić, someone is responsible for bringing Serbia to such a state that your appearance in a particular place carries a risk of endangering lives. Don’t you think it is time for some introspection?” Ponoš said.
He urged Vučić to use the period ahead of the elections to reduce tensions and act more responsibly.
“It is not a small burden. The formal election campaign is coming, elections are coming. A lot depends on you as to what it will look like. Try to make another smart move, preferably a responsible one. The opportunity is there,” Ponoš said.
Vučić announced earlier Wednesday that the SNS rally and his planned address in Novi Sad would be postponed from September 4.
“I am informing you that we will postpone the address and the rally because, for me, people’s lives are the most important,” Vučić said.
The cancellation comes amid heightened political tensions in Serbia, with the government facing sustained criticism from the opposition and continued political pressure ahead of possible elections.
Ponoš’s response reflects the broader opposition argument that Vučić’s decision should be viewed not only as a security measure but also as an indication of the increasingly polarized political environment in Serbia.
