Aleksandar Vučić was named the winner of this year’s “Lie of the Year” by the portal Istinomer, based on public votes. The statement that earned him the dubious honor was:
“You want elections, you will get elections.”
Miljana Rogač, editor of Istinomer, told N1 that Vučić has addressed the public 405 times in 2025, according to their data. Despite a crisis-ridden year, his statements have largely focused on a narrow set of recurring themes: protests, elections, crisis management, international affairs, and the economy.
Rogač noted that Vučić consistently frames himself as a “caring, competent leader” while portraying others as threats or scapegoats.
“Behind each individual statement is a broader narrative designed to manipulate public perception: Serbia is successful, he is the leader protecting the nation, and there are enemies everywhere,” she explained.
The analysis points to a systematic pattern of rhetoric: by repeatedly blaming “others” for problems, Vučić positions himself as the indispensable problem-solver, a tactic Rogač describes as manipulative and self-serving.
“When discussing regional issues, he consistently identifies a ‘scapegoat’ while presenting himself as the leader who can solve all problems,” Rogač added.
Critics argue that this approach limits meaningful debate, stifles opposition, and reinforces a personality-driven political system rather than fostering transparency or democratic accountability.
