Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has responded to the Socialist Party of Serbia’s (SPS) decision to contest the upcoming parliamentary elections independently, saying the party has every right to choose its own political path but that the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) will campaign to defeat it.
SPS leader and Interior Minister Ivica Dačić recently announced that the party would run independently, while ruling out speculation that it was negotiating an electoral coalition with the SNS ahead of the vote.
Vučić said he did not consider the decision a “stab in the back” and rejected calls for political drama over the move.
“I have no right to interfere in the affairs of other parties. I see no reason for drama. I wish them all the best; we will fight to defeat them, as we will everyone else,” Vučić said.
He noted that the SPS had historically contested parliamentary elections independently and said voters should be free to choose among competing political options.
“This is a democratic contest and everyone is welcome,” Vučić said.
Vučić questions Ružić’s influence
Vučić also addressed comments by SPS Vice President Branko Ružić, who welcomed the decision to run independently and has been associated with positions critical of the government.
Rejecting suggestions that Ružić had effectively taken control of the SPS, Vučić described the developments within the party as political maneuvering aimed at positioning the SPS to play a decisive role after the election.
“I do not agree that Branko Ružić has taken over the SPS or that he has greater influence than he had a year and a half or a year ago,” Vučić said.
He accused the SPS of trying to position itself as a potential “kingmaker” that could eventually choose between rival political camps.
“These are games for small children, so that they can become some kind of kingmaker, someone who will one day decide for one side or the other,” Vučić said.
He contrasted that approach with his own political philosophy, saying his politics were based on principles and political commitments rather than simply maintaining power.
“My politics is based on commitments, principles and substance, not on how to remain in power,” Vučić said.
SNS says it must secure a parliamentary majority alone
Vučić said the SPS decision should serve as a clear signal to the SNS that it may need to secure a parliamentary majority without relying on coalition partners.
“If they want to continue important projects for Serbia and all these projects, we will have to secure the majority ourselves,” Vučić said.
He argued that the SNS would need roughly 46 percent of the vote to secure more than 125 seats in the Serbian National Assembly on its own.
Dačić has said that while the SPS intends to run independently, the party remains open to talks with the SNS after the election about continuing their governing cooperation. He has ruled out cooperation with the protest movement and groups he describes as “blockaders.”
The SPS decision introduces a new element of uncertainty into Serbia’s political landscape, potentially increasing the importance of the party’s electoral performance and its position in any future parliamentary coalition.
