Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has renewed his invitation for dialogue with demonstrators after nine months of protests and blockades across the country.
In an interview with Euronews Serbia, Vučić stressed that his government remains committed to dialogue, despite what he described as the refusal of protesters to engage in a public debate.
“This was not my first invitation. I even offered them an open TV debate. I was ready to discuss everything publicly because I believe that conversation and dialogue have no alternative,” Vučić said, adding that his offer would remain valid “until it is accepted, because one day they will have to talk to someone.”
Protesters Demand Accountability and Elections
The protests, largely led by student groups, were triggered by the collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad, which killed 16 people. Demonstrators accuse the government of negligence and systemic corruption, claiming the tragedy was the direct result of a flawed reconstruction project.
Protesters are demanding accountability for the deaths and the calling of snap parliamentary elections, conditions they say must be met before any talks with Vučić can begin.
Vučić rejected these preconditions, stating that he had already offered elections “at least three times in the last six months,” including a referendum on his presidential mandate, but said all offers were refused.
“We have a lot of work to do. We cannot constantly have elections. And now they say elections are the only thing we need,” he argued.
Vučić emphasized that he will remain president for “another year, year and a half,” after which a new head of state will be elected.
Corruption and EU Path
The Novi Sad tragedy has intensified public debate about systemic corruption, which demonstrators have made a central theme of their protests. Vučić downplayed the allegations, saying: “Corruption has become an easy way to express dissatisfaction, even when it is not the real issue.”
Despite the unrest, Vučić reaffirmed Serbia’s commitment to European Union integration, calling it his top priority.
“As long as I am head of state, Serbia will firmly remain on the European path, dedicated and determined to implement the necessary reforms,” he declared.
Relations With Russia and Ukraine
Addressing foreign policy, Vučić said his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin remains “correct,” and claimed that Putin is “ready to end the war in Ukraine through a peace agreement.”
He also expressed willingness to host both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Belgrade for peace negotiations, should they agree to such talks.
