"Some cabinet members" accused of being against PM

"Some cabinet members" accused of being against PM

He told the daily Vecernje Novosti today that "these individuals do not like the big job that he (Vucic) has started, because it impedes the realization of their petty personal interests."

"It is dangerous to the prime minister that since recently all of them have been in some way connected by an invisible hand, and I sincerely hope that he will find the strength to pursue the mission that has been started, and lead our state and society onto the right path," said Stefanovic.

The newspaper said that he "did not want to speculate about some individuals' allegations that a coup in being prepared in Serbia while Vucic is visiting China" - but said it was "obvious that Vucic bothers many."

"He bothers some people in the government who are thunderously silent when, for example, the prime minister and his family are brutally dragged through the mud in the media. Such people only share with Vucic the sweet fruits and results, that are there, so say the EU, the IMF and World Bank... they leave the bitter ones to him," said Stefanovic.

He added that Vucic was also resented by "individuals from the SNS who understood coming to power solely as a scramble for money and well-paid positions."

"Impatient to cash in on the election victory, they lament and write open letters to him," said Stefanovic.

He told the daily he was not ruling out the possibility that "some great powers" might be indirectly involved in "the front" against Vucic, that also includes "the opposition and so-called independent intellectuals and journalists." According to him, "Belgrade's strategic orientation to cooperate with both the East and the West does not suit them."

"Unfortunately, it's as if some individuals from the government are seeking protection from these behind-the-curtains players, though they are well aware that Vucic never has, and never will, act on ambassadors' cues. As a friend, his close party comrade, I would ask him to think carefully about this as the SNS is electing a new leadership early next year," Stefanovic concluded.