Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) candidate Aleksandar Vučić addressed supporters in Vranje on Friday, presenting economic proposals for southern Serbia while criticizing political opponents ahead of the October 25 parliamentary elections.
Speaking at a campaign gathering, Vučić said employment remained one of the main challenges facing Vranje and the wider Pčinja District. He proposed a special law covering five administrative districts in southern Serbia — Nišava, Pirot, Toplica, Jablanica and Pčinja — if he receives sufficient public support.
Under the proposal, Vučić said potential investors in southern Serbia could receive subsidies up to 100 percent higher than those available in more developed parts of the country. He also proposed additional state support in areas including wages and other public payments, arguing that the measures could encourage people to remain in the region and attract new investment.
Vučić also discussed the future of two major companies in Vranje, Simpo and Jumko, saying he wanted their problems to be addressed through longer-term solutions rather than repeated short-term assistance. He said his aim would include higher wages for workers and greater economic stability for the companies.
Calls for changes in government and local administration
Vučić said he would seek to reduce the size of the government, proposing a cabinet of 12 ministers instead of the current 31. He also called for changes in local government, saying officials should have greater day-to-day contact with citizens and respond more directly to local concerns.
He framed the upcoming elections as a choice over Serbia’s future economic and political direction, contrasting what he described as continued economic development with a return to the policies of previous governments.
Serbia’s parliamentary elections are scheduled for October 25, with the SNS-backed list formally registered under the name “Aleksandar Vučić – United Serbia.”
Criticism of political opponents
During his speech, Vučić criticized opposition figures and accused them of refusing political debates with him. He also criticized rival candidate Ilija Srdanović, questioning whether voters would entrust him with responsibility for maintaining peace and stability.
Vučić claimed that Srdanović has received political support from figures including former Montenegrin president Milo Đukanović, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. These were statements made by Vučić during his campaign speech; the article does not independently establish the nature or extent of those alleged endorsements.
Vučić also criticized Rasim Ljajić’s Social Democratic Party of Serbia and the Socialist Party of Serbia over their statements that they could become a decisive factor in forming a post-election parliamentary majority. He said he would not engage in political bargaining over the composition of a future government.
Fico expected at SNS-backed rally
Vučić also announced that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico would attend a major campaign rally in Belgrade Arena on Saturday, October 3. Earlier on Friday, Vučić confirmed Fico as the special guest during a social-media broadcast.
He described Fico as a “great friend of Serbia” and highlighted Slovakia’s position on Kosovo and its relations with Russia.
At the same time, Vučić called on his supporters not to respond to political opponents with violence, saying that those who hold different political views should be treated as political opponents rather than enemies.
Earlier on Friday, Vučić also visited the Manasija Monastery near Despotovac and spoke about the upcoming elections, economic issues and Serbia’s foreign policy.
