"New govt. to have new people; NATO referendum unnecessary"

"New govt. to have new people; NATO referendum unnecessary"

According to Vucic, he would "not form the government at any cost, and will not want to form it if that required policy compromises," describing this policy as being one of "development, progress, reduced unemployment, GDP growth each year, and reduced fiscal deficit."

He also revealed that he does not intend to run for president, and that he believes President Tomislav Nikolic is doing that job well, "in line with his powers."

As for the parliamentary election, scheduled for April 24, Vucic said it was "not impossible" that voters will fail support his party and that "those united in their hatred of him and the SNS" might win.

Speaking about the outgoing government, Vucic noted that it "built a total of 360 traffic infrastructure objects in only two years" and that he personally "opened 27 factories."

The prime minister at the same time rejected the claims that the government led by the DS "for the most part reached agreements on those jobs, while the current government only finished what had already been started."

If his party remains in power over the next five years, said Vucic, "the country will not be in recession, while salaries and pensions will grow."

He also commented on the initiative to organize a referendum on Serbia's NATO membership, saying this was unnecessary "because Serbia has a strategical determination as a militarily neutral country."

"Why would we spend the money (on a referendum), just so someone can say we are the big heroes? That does not bring work, it only brings damage and more passions and emotions and would not be a responsible move for Serbia," said Vucic.

He noted that the National Assembly "adopted a declaration on military neutrality - and for that reason there is no need to call a referendum."