President Aleksandar Vucic addressed the nation following a series of turbulent events, speaking candidly about opposition accusations, university funding controversies, national media blockades, and his upcoming trip to Moscow. His comments touched on a broad range of issues—from allegations involving protest suppression to what he described as politically motivated smear campaigns.
On the Accusation of Using “Sound Cannons” on Protesters
Vucic opened by responding to a criminal complaint filed by opposition group “Kreni-Promeni,” which accused the authorities of deploying sound cannons during protests. Vucic dismissed the claims as outright lies, stating that all competent services had confirmed no such devices were used.
“That’s their strategy—lie, lie, and lie some more. They’ve got no shame,” he said. “If I weren’t president, I’d say that only fools would file this kind of complaint. Whether I’ll press charges against them or not is something I’ll leave to my legal team.”
On Not Attending the Patriarch’s Funeral
Vucic also addressed public expectations regarding his attendance at the funeral of a high-ranking religious leader, stating he most likely won’t attend due to prior commitments. He emphasized that his responsibilities include crucial meetings, particularly with international figures, and that managing state matters takes priority.
“Others will go and pay their respects. I have other pressing issues and talks that need to be handled,” he explained.
On Protest Blockades and Economic Impact
Touching on recent road blockades and public protests, Vucic criticized them for creating widespread fear and economic instability. He stressed that the state had to reconsider previously planned financial increases due to the unrest.
“We had to reduce the raises we had planned for salaries and pensions. The protests cost the state money. Let the citizens know that clearly,” he said, directly blaming the opposition for the financial setback.
He went on to claim that the protests were not a movement of regular citizens, but rather a well-financed campaign driven by elites and foreign interests. “They’ve been offered jobs and houses abroad. These are not people from the streets; this is a privileged caste fighting for power they couldn’t win through elections,” he stated. “Power isn’t gained by foreign interference or chaos in the streets—it’s earned at the ballot box.”
On University Funding and Alleged Abuse
Vucic also addressed the controversy surrounding university funding, stating that public money should be reserved for institutions that show actual performance and accountability. He hinted at upcoming reforms that would hold universities financially responsible for their outcomes.
“We will not fund universities that don’t deliver results. If private universities are more effective, they’ll receive support. That’s the future,” he said.
The president accused several public faculties of misusing state funds and targeting foreign students over domestic ones for profit. He also alleged financial abuse in how tuition and subsidies were handled and warned that the state prosecutor’s office had already been informed.
“Some public faculties are laundering money through fake expenses and ghost students. We won’t let it continue. There will be consequences,” Vucic declared.
On the Blockade of National Television
In one of the most serious parts of his address, Vucic condemned the occupation and blockade of the national public broadcaster, claiming that employees were held hostage for days and were denied access to the building.
“For six days, they couldn’t enter. That’s a crime—there’s no other word for it. The same people who talk about freedom of the press are the ones shutting it down,” he said.
Vucic also took aim at the broadcaster’s leadership, accusing them of siding with the protestors and failing to stand up for their employees. He issued a stern warning that salaries from public funds would not be paid to anyone not fulfilling their professional duties.
“I told them they won’t be paid if they don’t work. They laughed, thinking I was joking. Well, let them laugh. We’re not funding political activism under the guise of journalism.”
He compared Serbia’s lenient handling of the protests to stricter measures taken in neighboring countries, suggesting that the state had been more than patient so far.
Gratitude to Religious Figures and Foreign Support
The president thanked a number of religious leaders, including Bishop David and Bishop Teodosije, for their courage in the face of rising tensions. He also expressed gratitude to a foreign leader—whom he didn’t name directly—for alerting him to a previous attempt at his political removal, which Vucic claimed was backed by both criminal elements and state agencies.
“There are those who tried to orchestrate my downfall, including people within our own institutions. I won’t forget who protected me,” he said.
On the Russian Patriarch and Disinformation Campaigns
Vucic defended Serbian religious figures who had met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, brushing off claims that the Russian leader was a dictator and calling the accusations part of a broader disinformation campaign aimed at undermining Orthodox values and Serbia’s sovereignty.
“They tried to label the patriarch as an enemy of the West just because he met Putin. That’s not journalism—that’s propaganda,” he said, drawing parallels between media treatment in Serbia and Western Europe.
On Upcoming Visit to Moscow
In a major announcement, Vucic confirmed he would be traveling to Moscow in May, regardless of mounting pressure from foreign diplomats and local political actors. He emphasized that the visit would serve Serbia’s national interests and not be used as political ammunition by his rivals.
“Yes, I’m going to Moscow. Not to support anyone politically, but to represent Serbia with pride. Let the sky fall—I will still go,” he said firmly.
Vucic added that his itinerary would include not only meetings with Russian officials but also discussions with representatives from a major American political party.
“I don’t play geopolitical games—I protect our people, our interests, and our independence. That’s what leadership means.”
Conclusion
President Vucic’s address left no room for ambiguity. He positioned himself as a target of foreign interference and elite manipulation, while casting the opposition as chaotic and dishonest. From economic policy to foreign diplomacy, his message was clear: he intends to defend Serbia’s stability, sovereignty, and order—by any means necessary.
