Radomir Diklić, President of the European Movement in Serbia and director of the Beta news agency, has criticized Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s recent visit to Novi Sad, suggesting it may signal preparations for a potential bid to assume the role of Prime Minister.
Diklić described Vučić’s unannounced Sunday morning visit, during which supporters were gathered for a public reception, as inconsistent with the conduct expected of a democratically elected head of state. He argued that such actions appear more like political maneuvering than formal presidential duties.
Vučić recently stated that he is “waiting for a candidacy for Prime Minister,” a claim Diklić characterizes as constitutionally dubious. In Serbia, the Prime Minister is formally proposed by the President after parliamentary elections, and the position is not subject to direct popular vote. Diklić emphasized that attempts to present the Prime Minister as directly chosen by the populace reflect a misinterpretation of constitutional norms.
“One wise observer once remarked that he could even serve as a ceremonial figure in the government and still make decisions. Since he cannot continue as President without constitutional amendments, the state should function according to the Constitution, where the President plays a ceremonial role and the Government, led by the Prime Minister, executes policy,” Diklić explained.
Beyond domestic politics, Diklić also addressed Serbia’s relationship with the European Union. He noted a perceptible shift in Brussels’ attitude toward Serbia, crediting both student activism and the efforts of opposition parties for influencing EU engagement. He criticized the government over the so-called “Mrdić laws” and the APP system, describing the inconsistent approach as detrimental to Serbia’s credibility and humiliating for the country if the declared goal of EU accession is to be taken seriously.
Diklić further stressed that the Constitutional Court has the authority to block controversial legislation without waiting for external guidance from bodies such as the Venice Commission, highlighting the importance of domestic legal institutions in maintaining constitutional order.
Citing a recent EU delegation survey, Diklić noted that 45% of Serbian citizens support EU membership, while 32% oppose it, reflecting a general public aspiration for higher standards of governance, economic opportunity, and European integration. He concluded that while citizens largely favor a European path, the government continues to overestimate its ability to balance domestic politics with EU expectations, risking both credibility and strategic objectives.
In summary, Diklić’s assessment frames Vučić’s recent actions as a potential strategic maneuver to retain political influence, while underscoring the importance of constitutional norms, institutional checks, and Serbia’s commitment to its European path.
