Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic addressed the recent announcement by University of Belgrade Rector, Prof. Vladan Dokic, regarding his willingness to run for president. Speaking in Paracin on Wednesday, Vucic stated that he believes the EU supports Dokic.
He asserted that anyone advocating for a less independent Serbia or one more reliant on foreign views would support Dokic or another candidate over him, suggesting he is too independent and too devoted to Serbia to be favored by powerful interests. Regarding a meeting between Dokic and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, Vucic mentioned that Dokic has held numerous high-level meetings, some of which have not been made public. He questioned the significance of such meetings, asking rhetorically why a university rector would be meeting with such officials.
Vucic also criticized certain figures, specifically naming Italian MEP Sandro Gozi. He stated that Serbia cannot accept support from those who lobby for an independent Kosovo or those who accuse Serbia of genocide, labeling Gozi a “thief.” Vucic claimed that for critics like Gozi, the primary concern is financial gain, accusing them of being paid lobbyists for Kosovo’s independence, a status Serbia has not recognized for 18 years. While acknowledging the EU support for Dokic, the president emphasized his interest lies with the support of the Serbian people, rather than backing from international bodies.
Dokic’s decision to consider a presidential run followed student and lecturer protests in late March concerning academic freedom, spurred by police actions at the University of Belgrade.
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It will be interesting to see how the EU’s perceived support translates into tangible political backing for Dokic.
What evidence does the President have to suggest that the EU supports the Rector over the Head of State?