SNS urged "to be committed to public interest"

SNS urged "to be committed to public interest"

At a meeting of the SNS main board, Vučić said that, due to issues in the state, he cannot dedicate as much of his energy to the party as needed, and called on members to demonstrate full responsibility and commitment to the interests of the state.

He also urged members of the main committee not to waste their time and energy on conflicts within the party, but to work in the interest of Serbian citizens, and signaled changes in the main committee.

“Try working 10-12 hours a day and it will not even cross your mind to deal with conflicts within the party and set-ups,” Vučić said, noting that this happened at the party's top tier.

The SNS leader said that he knows what is happening in local self-governments, so it should come as no surprise when those who broke the moral norms or law are held to account before the party or court.

He warned that certain individuals should not be surprised by the state's reaction to what they have done or think that something is taking place covertly just because they believe they are far from Belgrade or that he cannot not see that first-hand.

“I urge you to pull yourself together. Think of what you would have left behind in your cities and municipalities. Every moment, you should have that in mind and be aware that things can change,” he said.

He took Belgrade as a positive example of the local self-government, as the city authorities “stopped squandering” budget funds.

He noted that many joined the SNS because they wanted to further their objectives, and not to work in the interest of the state.

Vučić voiced the expectation that the campaign that some pressure groups are plotting against the SNS will gain momentum, but expressed the hope that citizens will be able to recognize that everything that the government is doing is to their benefit.

“What is the most important thing now is that Serbia has a serious chance, but in order to seize it we will have to be well-prepared, the best, the most diligent, more committed than ever to changes and reforms,” Vučić said.

Announcing further legislative activities that should lead to a better investment climate, Vučić said that the process of creating the market and competition must be completed in Serbia.

“The best way to serve our party is to serve our state,” Vučić said and urged SNS members to be self-critical when they weigh whether they can deliver the result expected of them.

Paid offices

The main board of the SNS decided on Tuesday that no member of the leading party in the ruling coalition can hold two paid offices at the same time.

Those who currently do will have to resign from one by September 15, and the procedure will be supervised by the executive committee of the party, the SNS told a press conference after their main committee meeting, held in the central Serbian city of Požarevac.

The party also held a meeting of its presidency late yesterday.