Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said on Friday that the country’s upcoming military parade is not for political purposes, but to demonstrate state strength and deter potential aggressors, while underscoring Serbia’s commitment to peace.
“People ask why we are holding a parade. I invite citizens to come and see the enormous changes, to see what we have achieved together over the past 13 years, and to witness that Serbia is a different country today,” Vučić said in an interview with TV Blic.
The president highlighted that Serbia’s progress is not only reflected in higher salaries and pensions, infrastructure projects and science parks, but also in a significantly better-equipped military and police force. He noted that the order to hold the parade was issued on May 1 and was not a last-minute decision.
“This is Serbia’s pride. We want to show what we have done and send a message to potential aggressors. Let’s not be naïve. The military alliance between Pristina, Zagreb and Tirana is not aimed at Austria or Slovenia, but against Serbia,” Vučić said. He added that Serbia does not seek conflict but aims to preserve peace and stability.
Vučić also dismissed claims that the parade is intended to intimidate opposition protesters and students, saying that no water cannons, sound cannons or gas were used. “Every day you lied about this, and no one ever said sorry,” he said.
Addressing ongoing protests, Vučić urged citizens to pursue their political goals legally and peacefully. “I tell people to fight for their political interests, believe in their ideas, but do so lawfully without infringing on the rights of others. Differences are wealth, but violence solves nothing,” he said.
Vučić criticized student and faculty blockades, calling them unlawful and disruptive. He predicted that demonstrations against the blockades planned for September 27 could draw around 200,000 participants nationwide.
On concerns about university operations, Vučić expressed skepticism that academic activity would resume by November 3, citing a “failed coloured revolution” and asserting that attempts to challenge the government have already been spent and exhausted.
The president emphasized that government change can only occur through elections, not by force, and reiterated his readiness for dialogue with opposition figures. “Let them bring whoever they want to a debate. They won’t, because they have nothing to say. Their only argument is hatred, and that is not enough,” he said.