Opposition lawmaker Radomir Lazović, co-president of Serbia’s Green-Left Front (ZLF), has warned that Serbia would face further institutional and social decline if President Aleksandar Vučić were to become prime minister after the upcoming elections.
In an interview with Beta news agency, Lazović accused Vučić of undermining state institutions and said the Serbian president does not act as an elected representative of citizens but as the head of a political structure that has taken control of state institutions.
“Vučić does not respect the legal authority of the position he holds. He does not behave as an elected representative of citizens, but as the head of an organized criminal group that has usurped all institutions of our state,” Lazović said.
The opposition politician expressed optimism that the upcoming elections could bring political change but warned that the opposition should not assume victory is guaranteed, arguing that Vučić and his ruling structure would use all available methods to remain in power.
According to Lazović, these methods include pressure on political opponents, arrests, media attacks, and what he described as possible electoral manipulation.
“He has shown this through beatings, arrests, media persecution and widespread repression of all citizens considered undesirable. I also expect serious electoral fraud, while pro-government media continue their campaign of attacking political opponents,” Lazović said.
Warning of Economic and Institutional Decline
Lazović argued that if Vučić remained in power, this time as prime minister, Serbia would experience further deterioration in living standards, deeper economic inequality, declining public services, and increased corruption.
He also criticized the state of healthcare, education, environmental protection, and the country’s European integration process.
“Another four years of Vučić’s organization in power would be a catastrophe for Serbia,” Lazović said, claiming that economic problems, rising public debt, and stalled EU integration demonstrate the need for political change.
He also referred to security concerns, claiming that Serbia has experienced a rise in criminal incidents and alleging links between some high-ranking police officials and organized crime.
Criticism of Media Environment and Political Rhetoric
Lazović also accused Vučić and senior government officials of promoting hostile rhetoric against students, opposition groups, and government critics.
He claimed that pro-government media outlets have become instruments for political attacks and called for significant changes in Serbia’s media environment if a new government is formed.
“The first tasks of a new government must include removing these harmful structures from public life,” Lazović said.
Opposition Seeks Change Ahead of Elections
The ZLF leader said he believes growing public dissatisfaction, widespread protests, and concerns over living conditions could lead to a change of government.
Lazović said that during visits to cities across Serbia, citizens have expressed frustration over economic difficulties, healthcare problems, education challenges, environmental issues, and perceived injustice.
However, he warned opposition supporters against believing that victory is already secured.
“It is not over until we win, and even then a huge task awaits us to repair society after so many years of destruction,” Lazović said.
The Green-Left Front has announced that it will fully support the Student List in the upcoming elections, as part of efforts to unite opposition forces against Vučić’s ruling bloc.
