Serbian opposition leader Zdravko Ponoš has claimed that the recent political consultations initiated by Aleksandar Vučić are primarily intended to repair his image in Western capitals following recent controversies.
Speaking to N1, Ponoš—leader of the Serbia Center (SRCE) party—argued that the consultations come in response to criticism over a police raid on the rectorate building and alleged irregularities during local elections held in multiple municipalities.
“One of the reasons is to smooth over a damaged image in Western capitals and in Brussels after the police entered the rectorate and following obvious electoral manipulations in 10 municipalities,” Ponoš said.
He added that these developments have been noted internationally, prompting Vučić to present himself as open to dialogue and cooperation. However, Ponoš expressed skepticism about the sincerity of the process.
“The way this is being done, along with the rhetoric from Vučić and his closest associates, suggests that this is the same kind of dialogue we have seen before. I am convinced that only those who are not part of the opposition will respond,” he stated.
Ponoš further criticized Vučić for failing to engage in meaningful discussions with opposition parties on key issues, including election timing and Serbia’s foreign policy direction. He argued that a genuine dialogue would involve broader political actors, including the student movement.
“It would be normal to invite the second strongest political force—the student movement—instead of certain government allies,” he added.
Commenting on reports of explosive devices found near a gas pipeline connecting Serbia and Hungary, Ponoš suggested that both the location and timing carry political implications, particularly in the context of upcoming elections in Hungary.
He noted that Vučić promptly contacted Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, while political allies in Serbia framed the incident as an attempt to undermine Orbán.
According to Ponoš, Vučić has a vested interest in the outcome of Hungary’s elections, given the influence individual EU member states can wield in decision-making processes. However, he rejected claims of a coordinated operation involving Serbia and Russia.
Ponoš concluded by stating that Vučić’s relations with Moscow are currently strained, while his political calculations remain closely tied to regional dynamics and strategic alliances.
