Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stated that the European Union supports the University of Belgrade Rector, Prof. Vladan Dokic, following Dokic’s announcement of his candidacy for president. Speaking in Paracin on Wednesday, Vucic asserted that individuals advocating for a less independent Serbia or one more reliant on external views would support Dokic or another candidate over himself.
He stated, “I am too stubborn, too Serbian, and love Serbia too much to be liked by the powerful.”
Regarding a recent meeting between Dokic and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, Vucic noted that Dokic has held numerous high-level meetings, though these details have not been publicized, questioning the significance of a rector meeting with Kos. Vucic criticized those who lobby for an independent Kosovo or accuse Serbia of genocide, specifically naming Italian MEP Sandro Gozi. He labeled such critics as opportunists whose primary interest is financial gain, alleging they act as paid lobbyists for Kosovo’s independence, a status Serbia has not recognized for 18 years.
Gozi is a vocal critic of Vucic in the European Parliament, who has repeatedly alleged fraud in Serbian elections, including those in December 2023. Gozi recently challenged Vucic to a televised debate concerning Serbia’s EU integration, amid European Commission discussions regarding potential funding suspensions due to unfulfilled reforms. While Vucic acknowledged that Prof.
Dokic has EU backing, he stressed his own focus on the support of the Serbian people, rather than support from foreign entities or offices. Dokic’s decision to run for president followed a protest in late March in Belgrade, organized by students and lecturers in defense of academic freedom.
Topics: #president #too #supports
It seems the political maneuvering surrounding the university and the presidency is becoming increasingly complex.