Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said on Monday that authorities are searching for two snipers believed to be in Belgrade, three days after intelligence indicated their arrival in the city. He said the target of the attack remains unclear, but the source of funding is known.
Speaking on Prva TV, Vučić stressed that security services are actively pursuing the suspects and that no external pressure could influence his authority. “We cannot find them yet, but we know they arrived, we know where the money came from. I believe the authorities will resolve this,” he said.
Vučić also addressed economic measures, announcing a 5.1% pay increase for public sector employees starting next year. The increase exceeds the 4% recommended by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) formula. He said earlier salary hikes this year, combined with the upcoming increase, reflect cumulative gains of 28.6% for teachers and 19.2% for healthcare workers over 12 months. Pensions will rise by 12.2% from December 1, bringing the cumulative increase over the past year to 24.4%.
On foreign investment, Vučić acknowledged the exit of some international companies but said the government is negotiating to retain workers and attract new investors. He highlighted the importance of completing gas infrastructure projects in southern Serbia to support industrial investment.
Vučić also discussed ongoing talks with Russian partners regarding a solution for NIS, Serbia’s state-controlled energy company, saying discussions have begun but details remain confidential.
The president commented on political stability and opposition dynamics, noting that recent events have highlighted “reality over polling” for his opponents. He urged hunger-striking protesters, including veterans outside the Serbian parliament, to end their demonstrations for health reasons, expressing condolences for personal losses while appealing for restraint.
Vučić is scheduled to travel to Brussels on Tuesday for meetings with European Council President Charles Michel and European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, and plans to meet French President Emmanuel Macron next week.