Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić once again delivered a contradictory and aggressive attack against independent television networks N1 and Nova, simultaneously claiming he never intended to ban them while openly stating that the authorities “could have shut them down long ago.”
In a speech marked by political spin, insults, and serious accusations, Vučić accused the two broadcasters of “calling for the overthrow of the constitutional order,” spreading “lies,” and allegedly inciting hatred, without presenting any concrete evidence to support such claims.
Contradictions and Implicit Threats
While portraying himself as a protector of media freedom, Vučić asserted that he and his allies “never touched” N1 and Nova, despite claiming they had ample power to ban them. This rhetoric has been widely interpreted as an implicit threat, reinforcing concerns over the shrinking space for independent journalism in Serbia.
At the same time, Vučić used delegitimizing language, accusing journalists of “lying about dead children,” “spreading hatred,” and being “thieves who sue each other.” Such statements further escalate the hostile climate in which independent media operate.
Instrumentalizing Media Attacks
In a strikingly cynical remark, Vučić said it was “good” that N1 and Nova exist, claiming that without their alleged lies, his supporters would lack emotional mobilization. He added that these outlets should be “protected like water in the palm of one’s hand,” a comment critics say reveals how the president instrumentalizes attacks on the media for political gain.
Pattern of Pressure on Independent Journalism
Despite repeated claims that he does not interfere in media ownership or editorial policy, Vučić publicly labeled business figures linked to United Group as criminals, alluding to alleged internal disputes. Media watchdogs note that such statements contribute to systematic pressure, intimidation, and delegitimization of independent outlets.
This episode fits a broader pattern in which Vučić avoids accountability on key political issues by targeting critical media, downplaying attacks on journalists, and portraying himself as the sole barrier against their supposed suppression—while simultaneously being the main source of pressure against them.
