Former Serbian President Critiques EU's Stance on Serbia

Boris Tadic, the former president of Serbia, has expressed grave concerns regarding his country's current situation, particularly following months of protests led by government critics. In a recent interview, Tadic emphasized that the ongoing protests could either catalyze a significant political shift or lead to further disintegration of Serbian society. He pointed out that the European Union has been complicit in tolerating the authoritarian regime of President Aleksandar Vucic for years, prioritizing their own interests over democratic values. Tadic remarked that the students who have bravely raised their voices against corruption and injustice are introducing a new dynamic to Serbian politics and society. However, he warned that these young activists currently lack the necessary political experience and skills to effect meaningful change. He called for support from the EU and others to empower these students, urging Brussels not only to engage with the Serbian opposition but also to listen to the students' concerns. The former president criticized the EU's approach, stating that it primarily views Vucic's government through a lens of self-interest. He highlighted specific interests from countries like France and Germany, which have financial stakes in Serbia, such as military sales and access to lithium reserves. Tadic cautioned that such actions undermine democracy and erode European values within Serbia. Looking ahead, Tadic anticipates that protests will continue, especially in response to ongoing issues such as the blockade of the state broadcaster RTS, which he described as a stronghold of the Vucic regime. He noted that students instinctively recognize critical issues and are determined to maintain pressure on these fronts. Tadic, who has participated in the protests himself, advocated for collaboration between students and opposition parties, though he acknowledged the difficulty due to students' disillusionment with politics. He suggested that it would be beneficial for students, opposition leaders, and academic figures to convene and discuss pressing issues and past mistakes in the political landscape. However, he cautioned against proposals that might lead to a so-called expert government, as he believes this could perpetuate a cycle of ineffectiveness and further entrench the current regime's power, posing risks not only to Serbia but to the broader region as well.