Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic Lauds High Voter Turnout in Local Elections on RTS's Dnevnik 2

On April 6, 2024, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic appeared on RTS's Dnevnik 2 program, where he expressed his appreciation to citizens for their high turnout in the recent local elections. Vucic described the election results as 'historic' and highlighted his party's significant victory.

During the program, Vucic emphasized the importance of the EKSPO project, which aims to promote economic development across Serbia. He noted that this initiative is not confined to Belgrade but spans the entire country, reflecting a broader vision for national growth.

The high voter turnout in Serbia's local elections has significant implications for the country's political environment and democratic development. The outcome may influence the formation of governments in key cities and shape Serbia's relationships with international partners.

Vucic also discussed Serbia's international relations, particularly with China, highlighting the 'friendly and fruitful cooperation' between the two nations, underscoring the strategic partnerships that Serbia is cultivating on the global stage.

Reflecting on the election results, Vucic stated, 'I thank the citizens. When I lost the Belgrade mayor election, the turnout was lower by 200,000. Yesterday, 735,000 people voted in local elections. The difference is enormous, almost unbelievable.' This significant increase in voter participation was a central theme in his address.

Vucic called for the swift formation of the government in Belgrade, stating, 'Beograd je dugo bio pod privremenim merama i dobro bi bilo da Beograd krene u formiranje vlasti' (Belgrade has been under temporary measures for a long time, and it would be good for Belgrade to move forward with the formation of authorities).

In Novi Sad, Vucic urged citizens to continue with exceptional development, highlighting the construction of three bridges, numerous highways, and new factories. He advised against rushing the process, emphasizing the importance of careful planning and execution.

Regarding the election results in Nis, Vucic advised all actors to wait and recount the votes to ensure transparency and accuracy. He criticized opposition parties for claiming irregularities without providing evidence, urging them to focus on understanding the people's needs.

Vucic concluded by emphasizing the need to listen to the people and understand their needs, citing his party's historic and unexpected victory as a demonstration of this approach. He also discussed plans to meet with European leaders, including Macron and Sisi, in the coming months.

The local elections in Serbia have marked a significant moment for Vucic and his party, SNS. With a record voter turnout and a decisive victory, the President's focus now shifts to forming governments in key cities and continuing Serbia's development on both domestic and international fronts.

Key Takeaways

• Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic praises high voter turnout in local elections.
• Vucic highlights his party's significant victory, calling it "historic".
• EKSPO project aims to promote economic development across Serbia.
• Vucic emphasizes "friendly and fruitful cooperation" with China.
• Vucic calls for swift government formation in Belgrade and other cities.