Vučić challenges critics: calls for referendum on his presidency amid unrest

14 Janar 2025, 17:14Kosovo & Region TEMA

Vučić challenges critics: calls for referendum on his presidency amid unrest

Belgrade, January 14, 2025 - Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has thrown down the gauntlet to his opponents, urging them to back an advisory referendum on his presidency. The move comes as protests and public dissent over a tragic railway station collapse in Novi Sad continue to rock the country.


In a video posted on Instagram, Vučić cited polling data from the Centre for Research, Transparency, and Accountability (CRTA), which claims that 52% of Serbians would vote against him in such a referendum. “If these figures are accurate, I cannot remain in office,” Vučić declared, calling on opposition MPs to gather 67 signatures to trigger the vote.


Opposition calls it a distraction


The opposition Freedom and Justice Party wasted no time dismissing Vučić’s proposal. In a sharp post on social media platform X, the party labelled the move “a ploy to stage a referendum without ensuring fair electoral conditions, while exploiting regime-controlled media.”


Public outrage over Novi Sad disaster


The president’s referendum gambit comes amid national outrage following the collapse of a shelter at the newly reconstructed Novi Sad railway station. The November disaster claimed 15 lives and left two others seriously injured, sparking widespread protests. Demonstrators, including students and opposition groups, are demanding political and criminal accountability.


CRTA’s survey revealed that 61% of Serbians support the protests, with 48% pointing the finger at government ministers and 39% holding Vučić directly responsible.


Vučić: “Legitimacy is key”


Vučić painted the crisis as the result of coordinated pressure, both foreign and domestic. “Legitimacy is everything in politics, and sovereignty belongs to the people. If the referendum shows even a single vote over 50% against me, I will resign immediately,” he vowed.


While he left the date of the referendum open—suggesting it could take place in March, April, or May—Vučić positioned the vote as a path to stabilising Serbia. “This is a peaceful way to resolve the crisis and respect the objective findings of public opinion,” he said.


Investigation heats up


Meanwhile, the authorities are pressing ahead with investigations into the Novi Sad tragedy. Prosecutors have charged 13 individuals, including former Construction Minister Goran Vesić. While 10 remain in custody, two suspects are under house arrest.


The railway station collapse has raised serious questions about oversight, occurring just months after its grand reopening following a three-year renovation. Officials had boasted that the project met “the highest European standards.”

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