U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson has sharply criticized Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, accusing his government of using propaganda to portray the Serbian public as sympathetic to Russia, China and convicted war criminals.
“Vučić tries to portray the Serbian people as pro-Russia, pro-China and pro-war criminals, but this is a propaganda lie,” Wilson wrote on X.
According to the Republican congressman, the Serbian public is instead seeking economic opportunities, prosperity, the rule of law and peace in the region.
“The Serbian people want economic opportunities, prosperity, the rule of law and peace in the region. It is only Vučić’s regime that invites authoritarian forces and fans the flames of hatred,” Wilson said.
Wilson’s remarks come amid growing scrutiny in Washington of Serbia’s political direction and its relations with Russia, China and Iran. He has been among U.S. lawmakers calling for greater pressure on Belgrade over democratic standards, the rule of law and its ties with countries viewed by Washington as strategic competitors or adversaries.
Wilson and Democratic Representative Bill Keating recently introduced the bipartisan SRBIJA Act, which would establish a framework for sanctions and visa restrictions against individuals involved in undermining democratic institutions, regional stability, human rights or security frameworks in the Western Balkans. The proposed legislation is not yet law.
Wilson has previously accused the Vučić government of moving Serbia further away from the rule of law and closer to what he described as “enemies of freedom,” including Russia, China and Iran.
His latest comments further underline growing criticism from Washington over Belgrade’s foreign-policy balancing and the Serbian government’s handling of domestic political challenges.
