Senior members of Serbia’s opposition say that President Aleksandar Vučić and his allies are using ambiguous language to mask their fear of elections, after Milenko Jovanov, head of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) parliamentary group, hinted that new elections in Serbia could happen “soon.”
In a statement to Oko Magazin, Jovanov claimed that the adoption of the Law on the Unified Electoral Roll brings elections “ever closer.” He added that the political crisis triggered by year-long protests— sparked by the collapse of a railway canopy in Novi Sad — could be resolved if the opposition accepted Vučić’s repeated “calls for dialogue.”
However, citizens and students continue to insist on immediate elections, accusing the ruling elite of deliberately prolonging investigations and lacking both the will and the credibility to resolve the scandal.
Opposition: Vučić Decides Everything — Out of Fear
Opposition figures agree that only Vučić determines when elections will be held, arguing that he delays the decision out of fear of losing power and facing accountability.
Srđan Milivojević, head of the Democratic Party (DS), dismissed Jovanov as “just another caricature controlled by Vučić’s remote,” adding:
“He’s one of many arrogant SNS loudmouths used for one-time propaganda. Tomorrow another puppet will say it’s not time for elections. And when things go wrong, Ana Brnabić appears to buy more time for a regime whose expiry date has long passed.”
Zoran Lutovac, also from the Democratic Party, said that Jovanov “doesn’t know when elections will be held — because even Vučić himself hasn’t decided yet.”
“Such statements are meant to anesthetize the public and distract from pressing national issues,” Lutovac said.
Lazović: The Regime Is Afraid of Accountability
Radomir Lazović, co-leader of the Green-Left Front (ZLF), argued that the regime will delay elections as long as possible, saying that vague statements are a cover for deep fear within the ruling elite.
He pointed to three main reasons for Vučić’s reluctance:
- Fear of legal accountability for corruption and lawbreaking linked to tragedies like those in Novi Sad.
- Desire to complete lucrative state projects, including EXPO 2027, which he said serve as “cash machines for high-ranking officials.”
- Falling public support, making early elections too risky for the SNS.
“Research shows that a change of power is possible,” Lazović warned.
“Vučić’s strategy is to delay elections, sow new divisions, provoke chaos through regime media, and manipulate the system to survive — using every state resource at his disposal.”
Ponoš: Jovanov Covers Ignorance with Humor
Zdravko Ponoš, leader of the Serbia Center (SRCE), described Jovanov’s comments as “witty evasions to hide his ignorance.”
“He’s not part of Vučić’s inner circle — he’s still atoning for the days when he insulted his current boss,” Ponoš said.
He added that if SNS were a “normal political party,” Jovanov’s statement would signal readiness for fair elections — but the opposite is true.
“Even if they agree to early elections, they will try to rig them again. Their behavior during debates on the electoral roll and the REM Council proves that their power depends entirely on electoral manipulation,” Ponoš noted.
Ponoš also warned that Vučić faces a political crisis triggered by the hunger strike of Dijana Hrka, Milomir Jaćimović, and his minor son, saying:
“Vučić doesn’t know how to respond to a protest that can’t be crushed with batons or tear gas. He’s tried everything — insults, fake negotiations, even counter hunger strikes. Maybe his last option is to start one himself. Or finally call the elections.”
