Vučić: "Elections on July 12 or from October to the end of November"; "We will be guided by state interests"

At the beginning, Aleksandar Vučić referred to today’s visit to the Data Center in Kragujevac, which has received another supercomputer.

“In a few words: what we have, owned by the state, only Poland has in this part of Europe—no one else, not Hungary, Bulgaria, or Romania. No one has a supercomputer with a Tier 4 certificate. We have agreed on a third one, which will arrive in January. We are placing all of this in Kragujevac, where we have built our ‘Silicon Valley.’ We will invest in knowledge and education. That is where the idea comes from to locate one of the IT faculties in Kragujevac. We must change ourselves and keep pace with the times,” said Vučić.

The President of Serbia noted that the country had understood developments in time and achieved significant results in this field, but that much more work is needed.

“I am convinced that after my visit to China, which will be of historic importance, we will agree on opening a robot factory. Considering the various uses of these robots, including potential military applications, this is extremely important for our country.”

Vučić also announced that Serbia’s economic growth rate will increase.

“If we wait, we would be better than almost all European countries. In the eurozone, growth will average 0.8%, and we are reducing that gap. I believe we can plan increases in salaries and pensions,” he said.

Serbia among countries with the smallest fuel price increases

Speaking about oil, Vučić said Serbia is among the European countries with the smallest price increases.

“People laughed at me, thinking I didn’t know what I was talking about. Fortunately, through a combination of measures, our oil reserves, and reduced excise taxes, we managed it. We also have the cheapest bread, but people don’t want to talk about that.”

He also commented on a statement by Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who said that Vučić is among the few leaders who understand the energy crisis.

“Thank him for the kind words; he is extremely capable. A very smart man.”

He added that Ursula von der Leyen said Europe is losing €500 million daily, while Serbia is losing €2 million per day.

“These are large losses. If this continues, it’s serious bleeding. We have half the debt of the most powerful European countries. We have a good monetary and fiscal situation. We have been careful.”

He also referred to widespread flight cancellations across Europe due to fuel prices, noting that Serbia has not canceled flights and has even introduced an additional route to Munich.

Election date still uncertain

Vučić stressed that in the current circumstances it is difficult to hold elections.

“If you ask me whether we would hold elections tomorrow—in this situation, no. We will be guided by state interests. Our situation is stable today, but I don’t know what it will be like in a month or two. If the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continues, there will be countless problems. I don’t see how everything could calm down,” he said.

He also commented on polls suggesting that the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) would win the most votes.

“I have somewhat different polls. I respect those who conduct research, but I believe mine are more precise. Still, I won’t go into that. We face serious challenges—some are our fault, some are due to outside influence. In the end, people see who takes care of them. I’ve seen many revolutions and promises. Only work brings results.”

He mentioned visiting a village without a health clinic and criticized delays in procuring ambulances.

“I said a month and a half ago to procure them, and they still haven’t. I told them, ‘Get it done, I don’t care how.’ There is always money for that. Reduce funding slightly for Red Star Belgrade and Partizan Belgrade—they have already received tens of millions.”

Final remarks on elections

“We must change ourselves. We must prepare people who can win elections, not just rely on me. I feel I have less energy than before. I try to remain calm, even when facing daily threats. I call for dialogue, but they refuse it,” Vučić said.

He concluded that elections will either be held on July 12 or between October and the end of November, depending on developments in the country and globally.

“I believe the elections will be democratic. We will accept everything requested by ODIHR. The people will have the opportunity to say what they think and what they want,” Vučić concluded.