Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić sharply criticized ministers, public company directors, and senior state officials during a session at the Government of Serbia, staging what observers described as a highly theatrical and confrontational performance broadcast live on RTS, RTV, Pink, Informer, and Prva TV.
Reacting to widespread power outages during a recent cold wave, Vučić accused officials of negligence, lack of commitment, and prioritizing personal comfort over public responsibility. He stated that there would be no more weekends, holidays, or “mini-breaks”, even for family reasons.
“I will question ministers to see whether they are working seriously. There is no excuse for being tired,” Vučić said.
Although acknowledging that the state bears responsibility for the crisis, the president shifted blame to subordinates, accusing them of leaving the country unattended while parts of Serbia were left without electricity and heating.
“Some of you were on weekend trips while citizens were freezing in the dark. You wanted Paris and London, but not China where work is hard,” Vučić told officials.
He also threatened to strip officials of privileges, including official cars and staff.
“You are not God-given to enjoy secretaries and automobiles,” he warned.
Addressing Prime Minister Đuro Macut, Vučić said that any minister wishing to remain in government must give up vacations and extended weekends, adding:
“Either you work, or go to parliament with an initiative for dismissal. The people did not elect a government to lounge around.”
Vučić further claimed that volunteers had done the work of the state during the crisis, risking their lives under extreme conditions, and questioned why the government had not been properly informed about obstacles to maintaining power lines.
His harshest criticism was directed at Energy Minister Dubravka Đedović Handanović, whom he accused of lying to both the public and the president.
“Why are you deceiving me and the citizens? I have been in this state longer than all of you. Don’t sleep until this is resolved,” Vučić said, raising his voice and threatening to change laws, revoke authority, or personally sign contracts if ministers were afraid to do so.
As the address continued, the tone escalated into open threats, with Vučić stating:
“I will dismiss you because I have a majority in parliament.”
He accused ministers of being detached from citizens, spending time in offices instead of visiting municipalities and crisis-hit areas.
In a closing remark, Vučić drew a controversial comparison, claiming that Eastern nations possess the “eye of the tiger” — an instinct for survival and focus, while lamenting that Serbia lacks such determination.
