Election Campaign and Threat of COVID-19: Authorities Downplaying Danger

Virus

The first cases of the COVID-19 virus have officially been registered in Serbia, but for the time being there is no indication that the authorities are gearing up to take any more comprehensive measures. By 8 a.m. on March 11, 12 cases of coronavirus were discovered. Some 10 days ago, when the virus began rapidly spreading across European countries, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic gathered his associates and prominent experts. In a public address, they made an effort to downplay the danger posed by the virus, going so far as to remark that COVID-19 is a “ridiculous virus” and weaker than the virus which causes the regular flu. The ruling bloc is apparently much more concerned about the fact that the danger from the virus has come at a time when the campaign for the April 26 elections is starting.