Savo Manojlović, leader of the opposition movement Kreni–Promeni, has sharply criticized Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, accusing him of conducting what he described as “reality-show diplomacy” through appearances on the pro-government television channel Informer.
Speaking on Saturday evening, Manojlović said Vučić’s recent statements on Informer demonstrate a serious erosion of institutional norms and constitutional order. As an example, he cited Vučić’s claim that he had instructed Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić not to implement previously agreed obligations toward representatives of the OSCE and the European Commission.
“Tavern-Style Diplomacy on Live Television”
Manojlović argued that Serbia is facing a situation in which the president publicly issues directives related to international obligations during live television broadcasts, something he called unprecedented and deeply problematic.
“We have a situation where, at a moment when cities have come to a standstill due to a slightly heavier snowfall, the president is conducting tavern-style diplomacy, communicating in the language of reality TV starlets,” Manojlović said, according to a statement from his movement.
He stressed that the Serbian Constitution does not grant the president authority to issue instructions to the National Assembly regarding international commitments, warning that this represents a serious institutional crisis.
Concerns Over Media Regulation
Manojlović also pointed to the responsibility of regulatory bodies, emphasizing that television stations with national or regional frequencies are not permitted to allocate hours of airtime to a single political actor outside an election campaign.
“This is something that the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media should be sanctioning,” he said.
Double Messaging to the Public and Diplomats
According to Manojlović, Vučić’s approach to crises such as snowfall and natural disasters reveals a leader disconnected from realities outside politics. He further claimed that a policy of delivering one message on Pink and Informer, and a completely different one in meetings with ambassadors, is now producing tangible political consequences.
“Loss of Control” Allegations
The opposition leader concluded that Vučić is “clearly losing control”, highlighting what he described as a deep contradiction between aggressive on-camera behavior and submissiveness in diplomatic circles.
“There is a massive gap between reality-show arrogance in front of cameras and compliance in embassies, as well as between promises made to foreign actors and the president’s actual influence at home — despite the complete capture of institutions and media,” Manojlović said.
He went on to label Vučić “a miserable statesman”, while calling him “an undeniably skilled political con artist.”
