Kathleen Van Brempt, a Member of the European Parliament, has stated that Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić “has no intention of giving up power” and warned that the European Union must be careful not to “repeat the mistakes of the past” in its approach to Serbia’s political developments.
In a post published on X, Van Brempt commented on Vučić’s recent remarks during a public rally, where he suggested that the end of his presidential term was approaching.
According to the Belgian MEP from the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), Vučić’s statements do not represent a genuine willingness to step down but rather a carefully orchestrated political strategy.
“Vučić and his party have no intention of giving up power. He announced his departure on his own stage, on his own terms: without a timeline, without dissolving parliament, and without guarantees for free and fair elections,” she said.
Van Brempt added that the Serbian president may be preparing a familiar political scenario in which he formally leaves the presidency while maintaining real influence behind the scenes.
“For months, Vučić has been preparing a well-known scenario: promoting a trusted ally to the presidency, continuing to rule from behind the scenes, and later returning as prime minister,” she said, comparing the approach to political models previously seen in the region and referencing Russian President Vladimir Putin as an example.
She warned that the European Union should not ease pressure on Serbia at this stage.
“This is not the time to reduce pressure or return to business as usual. It is the time to stand unconditionally with the Serbian people and the democratic movement,” Van Brempt stressed.
According to her, Serbia’s future lies in the European Union—but only if it develops as a democratic Serbia.
