A bizarre appearance by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić on TV Pink on October 5, 2025, has reignited conspiracy theories surrounding the collapse of a canopy in Novi Sad. Vučić hinted at foreign involvement while vaguely pointing to local opposition politician Miša Bačulov, who had been near the site hours before the incident, reports DW.
Despite the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Novi Sad confirming in July 2025 that the collapse on November 1, 2024, was not due to sabotage or terrorism, Vučić’s comments effectively linked foreign intelligence and domestic opposition in the eyes of his supporters. According to recent polls by Nova Srpska Politička Misao (NSPM), 40.4% of ruling party voters believe the collapse was orchestrated by foreign services.
Experts argue that Vučić is using this narrative to deflect responsibility for costly public projects and maintain his political base amid declining approval ratings. Zoran Gavrilović from BIRODI notes that panic within the administration may have prompted Vučić to preemptively manipulate public perception.
Media analyst Slobodan Georgiev points out that Vučić’s frustration stems from his inability to fully control state institutions, stating, “It seems he cannot comprehend that people do their jobs without waiting for his signal.” Georgiev warns that Vučić’s approach signals further crackdowns on independent officials, echoing recent police reshuffles and efforts to consolidate power.
The widespread belief in conspiracy theories is also fueled by pro-government media and Russian-style propaganda, which Georgiev describes as “a social crime that misleads and confuses citizens, reinforcing blind loyalty to the regime.”
