Serbian lawyer Božo Prelević has stated that the Serbian government is concerned about the similarities between President Aleksandar Vučić’s rule and that of the recently arrested Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Prelević told the Beta news agency that the U.S. intervention in Venezuela violated international conventions and the UN Charter, potentially setting a precedent for other powerful countries to intervene in resource-rich states where the rule of law is weak.
“Any country with a strategic location, mineral reserves, or organized crime could fear military intervention by major powers,” he explained.
Parallels Between Serbia and Venezuela
Prelević highlighted several parallels:
- Undemocratic governance: Vučić has prevented fair elections since 2012, while Maduro refused to acknowledge electoral defeat and expelled opposition leaders.
- Use of paramilitary formations: Vučić allegedly uses irregular groups similar to Maduro’s colectivos for regime protection.
- Corruption and criminal influence: Both regimes are deeply entangled in corruption.
- Strategic resources: Serbia holds significant deposits of lithium and boron, which add to its geopolitical value.
Prelević also noted connections to companies involved in U.S. election fraud operations, drawing a parallel with actions in Miami during the 2024 Republican Convention.
Fear of Sanctions and Political Isolation
According to Prelević, Vučić is wary of international repercussions due to these similarities. U.S. sanctions on Serbian entities such as NIS and Linglong demonstrate that key figures in the government may face consequences.
He criticized Vučić’s handling of Serbia’s global position, suggesting that the president focuses on personal and political gain rather than national interest.
“Vučić is primarily concerned with protecting himself and his wealth, not the country. Half of his associates are likely planning to secure their assets abroad,” Prelević said.
Potential Risks for Serbia
Prelević warned that Serbia could face external interventions if the government continues its current trajectory. He suggested that without reforms such as free media and fair elections, Serbia risks a Venezuelan-style crisis.
“Historically, the rule of radicals and socialists in Serbia has ended disastrously for the country. Repeating this scenario now, combined with international pressures, could be extremely tragic,” Prelević concluded.
