Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has publicly asked his colleagues and party members to stop suggesting that he might return as Prime Minister, amid growing speculation about his political future after his presidential term ends next year.
Vučić emphasized that any decision about his potential return to the premiership should be his own and ultimately decided by the people, even though he has not ruled out the possibility.
“I ask all my friends and colleagues not to speak about me being Prime Minister,” Vučić said, adding that he does not want any position undertaken without energy, enthusiasm, and strength.
Context and Political Speculation
Announcements that Vučić could assume the role of Prime Minister again have circulated in recent months, often voiced by his party and coalition allies. High-ranking officials, including former Prime Minister Miloš Vučević, have praised Vučić’s political “capital” and hinted that he might return to executive leadership.
Current ministers have also speculated, with Milica Đurđević Stamenkovski suggesting that Vučić’s performance in previous government sessions hinted at the potential structure of a government he might lead.
Vučić, however, reiterated that such discussions should wait for his own decision and the will of the citizens, stating:
“The people want change, but not the kind imposed by blockers. They want stability, not chaos. Whoever convinces them of that will gain their trust.”
Achievements and Reflections
Reflecting on his tenure, Vučić highlighted several accomplishments, including maintaining a stable economic course, average wages above 1,000 euros, and the lowest public debt ratio relative to GDP. He also acknowledged the demands of upcoming diplomatic engagements, including meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying now is not the right time to debate the prime ministerial question.
Despite his usual modesty, Vučić praised his own work ethic:
“You can blame me for many things, a million mistakes, you can hate or love me, but you cannot lie that I haven’t been diligent, hardworking, and that I haven’t done my job,” he told reporters after receiving a religious honor from Bishop Sergij.
The president’s second consecutive term is set to end next year, making the question of his political future a key topic in Serbian politics.
