Nikolic reacts to protests in wake of elections

Nikolic reacts to protests in wake of elections

Nikolic told the tabloid Kurir that the protest have mixed together "people dissatisfied with the outcome of the April 2 presidential elections, and those who support the vote's losers."

"I think the whole of Serbia is now at a loss about what is actually happening with the protest. Can calls issued on Facebook cause so many people to take it to the streets?," asked Nikolic.

According to him, the rallies gather "those dissatisfied with election results - some because they're jobless, others because they're not getting paid, some because their candidate has not won, some because they're young, full of resistance and rebelliousness."

Nikolic also said it was "good that the protests are peaceful," and added: "I see it's young people, the police are more tolerant. And that's good."

Asked about "his message to the protesters," Nikolic said they "did not ask him what to do" - but that he "always said everyone has the right to fight for their right."

"Nobody must touch them. They're much better than some others the police also protect, and who don't deserve it, such as supporter groups. These are completely peaceful people. Each of them has a different goal... the elections were an opportunity, and showed that there are democratic conditions in Serbia, who is popular to what degree, and whom the citizens trust. This time they trusted (Aleksandar) Vucic and no kind of protest against it can jeopardize (his) victory," said Nikolic, whose term in office expires on May 31.