Belgrade, Serbia – November 2024 – Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has stirred controversy once again, playing the role of Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson, warning the West of potential Russian military actions and defending his own government’s actions amidst domestic unrest. In a speech delivered last night, Vučić sought to justify his administration’s handling of recent protests in Novi Sad, while also issuing stark warnings about Serbia’s economic future and the ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding Russia.
Domestic Turmoil and Economic Warnings
Vučić began by addressing the public’s growing frustration over the ongoing protests in Novi Sad, which erupted after a tragic accident at a railway station. He framed the protests as part of a wider campaign against his government, calling the ongoing demonstrations “a witch hunt” aimed at destabilizing Serbia. The president warned that economic growth and wage increases in the coming years would be difficult to achieve, citing challenges in both governance and public discontent.
“Serbia will face difficulties in achieving growth, and wages will not rise as expected in the near future,” Vučić stated, while cautioning the public that progress will be slow. His remarks about economic stagnation came as he criticized the political opposition and media for creating unrealistic expectations, fueling discontent among the public.
Vučić also addressed the tragic railway accident, stating that resignations would be expected from government officials and others responsible for the incident, even though no one was directly to blame. He emphasized that accountability is essential, noting that “lives were lost due to insufficient work quality and the failure to uphold the law.” However, he did not shy away from blaming external forces and foreign influence for what he described as attempts to destabilize Serbia.
Warning Against Western Criticism of Putin
As his speech took a more geopolitical turn, Vučić made a direct appeal to the West on behalf of his close ally, Russian President Vladimir Putin. Referring to the widespread Western belief that Putin’s threats of nuclear escalation are “bluffing,” Vučić firmly disagreed, suggesting that those who think Putin is “threatening with empty words” are “not normal.”
Vučić emphasized that few people understand Putin as well as he does, and warned that if Russia’s security is ever threatened, Putin would not hesitate to use nuclear weapons. “If the security of Moscow and its forces is at risk, Putin will not wait even an hour. He will use nuclear weapons,” Vučić declared.
The Serbian president’s comments were seen by some analysts as an attempt to strengthen Serbia’s ties with Russia, as the country faces increasing pressure from the EU to align more closely with European policies. Vučić’s strong defense of Putin’s actions was met with mixed reactions, with critics accusing him of acting as an echo chamber for Russia’s more aggressive rhetoric.
Political Stability and National Unity
Despite the heavy political and economic pressure on his administration, Vučić sought to portray himself as the stabilizing force in Serbia. He appealed to the public to avoid divisive political actions, arguing that infighting and “witch hunts” against his government would only destroy the country.
“I will continue to take responsibility and do my best to preserve stability until the end of my mandate,” Vučić said, urging the Serbian people to trust his leadership through these challenging times.
