Former Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has warned that pro-government television channel Informer could be forced off the air within the next seven or eight days, claiming that the incoming political authorities intend to shut it down and that intervention from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump may be its only chance of avoiding closure.
Speaking in an interview with Informer on Tuesday, November 3, Vučić accused the Student List, which defeated his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) in this year’s parliamentary elections, of seeking to eliminate the broadcaster because it cannot tolerate criticism or opposing views.
“The Student List wants to shut down Informer because they cannot tolerate a different opinion, because they cannot stand everything I have endured for 14 years, particularly over the last 12 years,” Vučić said.
He alleged that the student movement was directing efforts to close the television station through intermediaries and institutions, arguing that its representatives were acting on behalf of those behind the initiative.
Vučić also claimed that the broadcaster would be disconnected from telecommunications networks within days.
“They will shut you down in seven or eight days. The only people who might possibly prevent this, although I am not even sure about that, are someone from the Trump administration intervening,” he told Informer.
He added that Telekom Srbija could be required to disconnect the channel within 48 hours, followed by other operators, allegedly on the grounds that the broadcaster was not complying with Serbian law.
Vučić urged Informer staff to prepare alternative ways of continuing their work, including through the internet and other platforms, insisting that the authorities would not be able to prevent the broadcaster from operating altogether.
Vučić accuses Student List of targeting media freedom
The former president presented the alleged plans against Informer as an attack on freedom of expression, claiming that the incoming authorities wanted to send a warning to anyone who challenged them.
He also accused members of the Student List of hypocrisy, arguing that people he described as corrupt were lecturing others about corruption.
The claims about a planned closure and the alleged involvement of the Student List were presented by Vučić during the interview. The material provided does not establish that a formal decision to shut down Informer has been taken.
Economic policies and foreign investment
During the interview, Vučić also criticized several economic proposals attributed to the incoming political authorities, particularly plans to introduce a four-day working week and reduce subsidies for foreign investors.
He argued that such measures could discourage investment and lead international companies to leave Serbia.
Vučić named several companies with operations in the country, including CTF, Brose, Kromberg & Schubert, Continental, Forwerk and Johnson Electric, warning that changes to the existing economic model could put thousands of jobs at risk.
He also criticized proposals to reconsider subsidies for foreign investors, insisting that government support had helped attract major companies and create employment.
On the proposed four-day working week, he said reducing working time would undermine economic growth.
“How can we move forward if we work four days a week?” he asked, describing the proposal as irresponsible.
Warning over EXPO and economic growth
Vučić further warned that the incoming authorities could jeopardize preparations for the planned EXPO 2027 exhibition in Belgrade.
He claimed that delays in major procurement procedures would make it impossible to complete the necessary projects on time.
He also predicted that Serbia would experience economic consequences as early as November, including a decline in domestic and import VAT revenues.
According to Vučić, the country risked losing its position among Europe’s fastest-growing economies because of the policies he attributes to the incoming authorities.
Vučić says proposed cabinet will shock the public
The former president also commented on the composition of the new government, claiming that he had seen a preliminary list of potential ministers.
“I have seen a preliminary composition of the government. I have to tell you, it is so scandalous that you will be shocked when you see it,” Vučić said.
He added that he believed the Serbian public would also be surprised when the proposed cabinet was made public.
