Ilija Srdanović, the leading candidate on Serbia’s Student List in the October 25 parliamentary elections, has pledged that a new government will prioritize the rule of law and investigate allegations that documents containing evidence of criminal activity are being destroyed in state institutions.
In an interview with the newspaper Nova, Srdanović said those responsible would not escape accountability if evidence of criminal offenses were established.
“The first steps of the new government will be focused on the rule of law and taking control of the key executive mechanisms needed to ensure equality for everyone,” he said.
Srdanović said it was too early to discuss potential candidates for prime minister and ministerial positions, adding that decisions would be made after the final election results were confirmed.
He stressed that any arrests carried out under the new government would have to comply with the law and be based on evidence.
“Any arrests that follow will be conducted in accordance with the law, wherever there is evidence of criminal offenses. The prosecution will deal with these matters,” he said.
He added that prosecutors should initiate proceedings whenever evidence of criminal activity emerges, regardless of whether the individuals involved come from politics, business, the economy or the public sector.
Student List pledges to defend media freedom
Srdanović also addressed concerns over the future of several Serbian media outlets, including reported ultimatums issued by the new owners of Nova to journalists, possible layoffs of freelance contributors at the weekly magazine Radar, and the potential closure of the newspaper Nova.
He said media freedom was a fundamental principle in the Student List’s political program.
“Media freedom is a fundamental human right and something we stand for. Editorial independence must be respected in accordance with our laws. No one should interfere in the editorial policy of a media outlet,” Srdanović said.
Criticism of public funding for Informer
Asked about claims made by fellow Student List candidate Nemanja Karović during an appearance on Radio Television of Serbia (RTS), Srdanović said the list fully stood behind his allegations.
Karović had claimed that Telekom Srbija was paying the pro-government outlet Informer between €500,000 and €700,000 per month. He also alleged that an attempt had been made to withdraw one billion dinars from the Postal Savings Bank.
Srdanović described the alleged practices as unacceptable and said public money should not be used to finance media outlets in this manner.
“These are unacceptable practices, particularly those involving certain media outlets that have been named and for which there are facts. They will face the strictest sanctions in the future,” he said.
“Spending budget funds, public money, on these kinds of newsrooms is unacceptable and will not be allowed in the future.”
His remarks come as Serbia prepares for a change of government following the Student List’s victory in the October 25 parliamentary elections. The final composition of the new administration and its approach to public institutions, media funding and accountability remain to be determined.
