In a recent turn of events, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić expressed his dissatisfaction with the response from the U.S. Department of State regarding proposals for Serbia’s new government, which include figures under U.S. sanctions.
On May 1, Vučić voiced his hope for positive relations with American partners, emphasizing their importance. However, he openly criticized the U.S. Department of State’s reaction, emphasizing that the Serbian government is elected by the citizens of Serbia.
The Serbian Parliament convened on May 1 to discuss the formation of the new government. Among the proposed appointments, Nenad Popović was nominated as Minister without Portfolio, while Aleksandar Vulin was put forward as Deputy Prime Minister.
Responding to queries from Radio Free Europe, the U.S. Department of State expressed disappointment with the proposed appointments of Vulin and Popović, citing their existing sanctions and stating that the U.S. stance on the matter is well-established. They clarified that the U.S. does not intervene in the personnel decisions of the Serbian government.
Vučić, in his retort, emphasized the need for humility when dealing with U.S. sanctions, highlighting the sovereignty of Serbia’s government. Notably, both Popović and Vulin have been under U.S. sanctions since November 2023, primarily due to their ties to the Kremlin.
Vučić also addressed internal dynamics, suggesting the presence of pro-American voices within the government while underlining the government’s Serbian identity and its commitment to the interests of the Republic of Serbia.
The new cabinet, led by Miloš Vučević of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), is set to comprise 25 ministers and five ministers without portfolio. Key appointments include Ivica Dačić as Minister of Internal Affairs and Bratislav Gašić as Minister of Defense.
However, the formation of the new government follows a backdrop of electoral controversy. Accusations of electoral fraud marred the extraordinary parliamentary, provincial, and local elections held on December 17 in Serbia, as highlighted by international and local observation missions.
Despite ongoing denials of significant electoral irregularities by authorities, the European Parliament approved a resolution in February urging authorities in Serbia to facilitate an international investigation into alleged irregularities, particularly in the Belgrade City Assembly elections.
As Serbia prepares for the transition to its new government following December’s elections, tensions between the Serbian leadership and international actors, particularly the U.S., continue to shape the political landscape.