Vucic: Serbia To Face Biggest Challenge, Pressure over Kosovo

Aleksandar Vucic

President Aleksandar Vucic in the evening on Oct. 5, said that in the coming period, Serbia would have to deal with numerous challenges, primarily pressure over Kosovo, as well as attempts to force Belgrade to recognize Kosovo’s independence, while receiving nothing in return.  

Vucic said that he had pointed to premier-designate Ana Brnabic and the parliament majority that Serbia should pursue its EU path, while maintaining its friendship with Russia and China and further improving its ties with the U.S.

“Over the next four years, the goals of a new cabinet will include raising Serbia’s economic strength and the living standard of citizens, further road building and realization of new projects,” Vucic said, adding that he was expecting construction works under the Belgrade Metro project to start by next September or October.

Noting that that healthcare was crucial for the country’s future, he said the investments in health centers would continue. Vucic further said that third important element for the new cabinet would be the preservation of peace and stability and the strengthening of the country’s security system. He also announced new investments in the army and the police, but added that police achievements depended on the prosecution and the judiciary, which should step up efforts in curbing crime and corruption.

Vucic has advised Brnabic to assign half of ministerial posts to women and to set up two new ministries – for human rights, gender equality and dialogue, and for family, children and demography. According to Vucic, there will be further discussion on which parties will join the future government, while the premier-designate is expected to present cabinet ministers in the next seven days.