President says he's "most surprised" by his own party

President says he's "most surprised" by his own party

Speaking for state broadcaster RTS late on Monday, Vucic said that during the meetings earlier in the day with representatives of all electoral lists represented in the National Assembly, LSV leader Nenad Canak said he was bothered by him kissing Patriarch Irinej's hand, while the DSS delegation was "not optimistic" about "the Brussels agreement and Kosovo."

"I thank those who came, who presented their political ideas and positions. That's part of the democratic procedure, I didn't make this up, this is not my whim, this is my constitutional obligation, I will fulfill it and make my decision tomorrow," Vucic said.

According to him, he "heard a lot" on Monday, and was "surprised the most" by the positions presented by the SNS. Vucic said his views were "somewhat different" than those of the party he leads.

"We didn't talk it over, they presented what they think and their stance was very sharp and explicit that, as a party, they deserve to have the head of government," Vucic said.

According to him, the SNS Presidency meeting on Wednesday "will be very interesting" - if he "finds a free slot in his state obligations."

Commenting on those who chose not to attend the consultations, he said "everyone has the right to make their own choice," and added:

"They made a big mistake, they showed disrespect toward their country. They didn't show up today although they have been saying for years that there is no dialogue. I don't know how to respond to that. I understand that it's my fault, that I took part in three victories that have been too big, in the last four years. All three of the most convincing victories in recent history - they can't reconcile themselves with that."

He also commented on JS leader Dragan "Palma" Markovic's statement that somebody who "has no family, no children" cannot be Serbia's prime minister.

"I have kids, I love them, but I don't think that makes me better than those who don't have them. I told Markovic that I am not in agreement with such statements," Vucic said.

"What would I say to Maja Gojkovic, Ana Brnabic? I think Maja is doing her job perfectly, her private life doesn't matter. A significant part of Serbia agrees with him (Markovic) - I don't," Vucic told B92.