In the midst of large-scale protests in Serbia, President Aleksandar Vučić has promised to introduce a set of “major measures to improve living standards and curb inflation,” Russian media outlets report.
On August 24, Vučić told journalists that the government will:
- Cap retail margins on selected products,
- Require banks to introduce new mortgage and consumer loans with lower interest rates for low-income borrowers,
- Provide discounts on electricity and other heating sources for vulnerable households.
While the overall cost to Serbia’s budget has not been disclosed, most of these measures will take effect on September 1, with further initiatives expected in mid-September.
Russian TV RTVI described the package as “miraculous,” quoting Vučić as saying it would boost consumption and raise living standards.
According to RIA Novosti, Vučić announced that next week the government will sign a decision to cut retail margins from the current maximum of 45% down to 20% across 24 retail chains. He also pledged new laws on trade, consumer protection, and unfair practices, which he argued would primarily benefit Serbian producers.
At the same time, Russian outlets highlighted pro-government rallies in 71 Serbian cities, staged “against the blocking of institutions and infrastructure by students and opposition supporters.”
From Pančevo, RIA’s correspondent reported that about 2,000 people gathered in the city center, waving Serbian flags, balloons in national colors, and holding signs such as: “We Will Not Give Up on Serbia,” “Citizens Against Blockades,” “We Want to Work,” and “We Want to Learn.”
Meanwhile, dzen.ru praised the “wonderful measures” aimed at improving the lives of millions of Serbians.
Among the upcoming reforms, Vučić said authorities will:
- Limit retail margins,
- Lower loan interest rates,
- Reform court bailiff practices (protecting families from losing homes under 60m²),
- Offer subsidies for electricity,
- Provide discounted firewood for heating to vulnerable groups.
Additionally, he confirmed that within 20–30 days, the Belgrade–Novi Sad–Subotica railway will open for both passenger and freight traffic.
Earlier, Vučić also vowed to adopt a “completely different approach” toward protesters, warning that all demonstrators would be punished.
