Vula Ceci, co-chair of the European Green Party, condemned Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić for labeling European lawmakers and a political delegation as “scum”, calling it a breach of all democratic norms. “The president, who once called peaceful demonstrators ‘terrorists,’ has now crossed the line by insulting European parliamentarians and a European political delegation,” Ceci said.
She emphasized that freedom of speech cannot be attacked and that hate speech from a head of state is unacceptable. Vučić’s threat of criminal prosecution is particularly alarming, as it undermines the rule of law. By portraying European visitors as a threat to Serbia’s stability, he is attacking all democrats, Ceci added.
Ceci also stated that everything witnessed in Novi Sad reflects the authoritarianism faced daily by Serbian citizens. “Our solidarity is with them. Their courage in defending democracy deserves support, not hostility. The European Union must not remain silent,” she said.
Rasmus Nordqvist, MEP and member of the European Green Party’s executive board, also commented: “The citizens of Serbia are fighting for their democratic rights and freedoms in a country that is a legitimate EU candidate. We came to show solidarity in the fight for freedom of assembly, free media, anti-corruption measures, and transparency – all fundamental parts of democracy. We Greens will not be intimidated by Vučić’s threats or insults. Having witnessed authoritarianism firsthand, we again call on the European Commission, European Parliament, and European Council to address the situation in Serbia.”
Late on Friday, President Vučić referred to Nordqvist and Ceci as “scum” during a television appearance and threatened them with criminal prosecution.
