Aleksandar Vucic sits with a serious face in the library of his presidential palace. There are hundreds of whistles coming from the outside. Demonstrators block 1 of Belgrade's main streets. Residents of neighboring blocks open windows and wave to them. A scene that now repeats all day. Meanwhile, president Vucic doesn't care about their noise. He speaks slowly, thoughtfully and frequently looks down.
Mr. President, in an interview with Blick in 2017, you introduced yourself as a peacemaker. What's left of it?
Aleksandar Vucic: We have a room. Unlike accusations from the West after the start of the war in Ukraine. Swiss media besides claimed that we were Putin's puppets and that we would start fresh wars in the Balkans. Of course it didn't.
You sent troops to the border with Kosovo, and people here and in the Balkans are afraid of a fresh war. How did you become an arsonist?
There is no border between Serbia and Kosovo — according to our constitution and the United Nations Charter. Today, European countries are talking about the territorial integrity of Ukraine. As for Serbia, they violated this principle. As a result, our people in Kosovo were persecuted and expelled. And yet we are not at war.
W Switzerland people from Kosovo and Serbia live together in peace. Why is this not possible in the Balkans?
We live in peace. But liking 1 another is another. We have different political interests, that's just the way it is.
Switzerland has been active in Kosovo for a long time. How do you see our role?
Unfortunately, Switzerland was 1 of the first countries to recognise Kosovo’s independency — against global law (according to the global Court of Justice, designation was legal — ed.). Nevertheless, we cooperate well and hope to attract more Swiss companies, entrepreneurs and tourists.
“I fear only God”
On the way, I passed the demonstrators. What would you say to them?
There were 650 demonstrators, if I'm not mistaken. What can I say? I've been experiencing protests since I started. It's beautiful average in Serbia. And we deal with it peacefully, without police and violence. Unlike many another European countries.
Filip Stevanovic / Anadolu/ABACAPRESS.COM / PAPBelgrade protest, February 5, 2025.
However, These protests They're bigger than usual.
No, they were bigger.
But you realize why demonstrators are frustrated now?
Yes, I realize emotions, political interests, abroad interests.
Even Djoković distances himself. Did that hurt?
He didn't distance himself from me. He supported students. I respect his decision.
What do you think is the origin of their frustration?
New Court accident in November ub.r. After specified an event, frustration naturally emerges. But I reacted. 1 minister was arrested, 2 others resigned. respective state company presidents are behind bars. I personally visited many of the victims' relatives and offered my condolences.
Demonstrators criticise corruption in particular.
No another reason can be given due to the fact that the current economical situation is the best in Serbia's history. Nevertheless, in the next fewer days, I will launch a large anti-corruption campaign.
What do you mean?
We will launch investigations — e.g. against mayors, erstwhile and current ministers.
Are you afraid he'll be removed?
I'm only afraid of God. But if you're in politics, you must be able to resign from office. due to the fact that it's what you leave behind. The Belgrade wharf is the most beautiful promenade in Europe. I created it. All the people who are protesting now are besides protesting against it. By the way, I offered the protesters a referendum against me. They rejected it. due to the fact that they know they'd lose.
“We have good relations with Russia and we are not ashamed of it”
In Western European media you are described as an autocrat. Is that true?
You want me to confirm what Western media is saying? Is that what they say about anyone who isn't a puppet of any government? due to the fact that I am not — and I don't care what they think. I'm sitting here due to the fact that I was elected by a double overwhelming majority.
It is precisely electoral fraud, force on opposition members and restrictions on freedom of the press.
Every day I'm portrayed in the media as Hitler, Mussolini or individual else. Everyone in Serbia knows it's nonsense.
Few European Heads of State and Government are so Friends of Vladimir Putin, Like you. erstwhile was the last time you spoke to him?
I haven't seen him since 25 November 2021. In the last 3 years, I've only spoken to him once, it was about a possible gas deal.
EPA/MICHAEL KLIMENTYEV / SOUTH / KEMLIN POOL / / PAPAleksandar Vucć, president of Serbia, and Vladimir Putin, president of Russia. Sochi, November 25, 2021.
How come you haven't had any contact with him lately?
Traditionally, we have good relations with Russia and we are not ashamed to say so. But we're under force from all sides. Although many another European Heads of State visited Moscow and spoke to Putin since the start of the offensive in Ukraine. I didn't do it.. What did it give me? Nothing.
Donald Trump took office in early January. What's your relation like?
Very good. He and his men are engaged, as I believe, in the changes they fight for.
What does his presidency mean to Serbia?
A real change — and that individual is listening to us. No political burden from the 1990s.
When we do another interview in 8 years, what will change in Serbia?
Our economy will grow even more. And Serbia will be Member of the European Union.
