Why the EP resolution brings big problems to Vucic

2024-02-10 08:44:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Why the EP resolution brings big problems to Vucic

Alexander Vucic

The resolution of the European Parliament, which was approved by an overwhelming majority of votes in Strasbourg, contains the request for an international investigation of the elections in Serbia, according to the model that was applied in North Macedonia. If the Serbian authorities do not implement the recommendations to improve the electoral process or if they are proven to have participated in electoral theft, Serbia will face the possibility of suspension of EU funding.

Authorities in Serbia are drawing attention to the fact that attacks on international observers are unacceptable. But this did not prevent the Prime Minister, Ana Brnabi?, from continuing with the same tone and accusations against the Serbian opposition, but also some international institutions.

Brnabi? compared the EP resolution to "Radio Mileva" (which in Serbia is used as a synonym for some completely irrelevant media) and stated that it contains everything the opposition has said about the elections.

Another step for the democratization of Serbia

Faith in the democratic process in Serbia has been shaken, but the Serbian authorities do not show the slightest desire to accept the facts presented by the Serbian opposition or international factors.

Although the political power of the EP seems relatively weak, the harsh tone of the announced resolution will probably influence many political movements and decisions, analysts think.

"I think that some irregularities in the elections have not only been registered, but have also been confirmed", says journalist Nedim Sejdinovi? for DW. "I would say that this resolution will be a step further compared to all other efforts of the EU and the international community to contribute to the democratization process of Serbia. It could also be an introduction to a different attitude of the whole West towards the regime of Aleksandar Vu?i?", he thinks.

Focusing on stealing elections

The European Parliament clearly recognizes the problems in Serbia and the role of the authoritarian regime in the manipulation of the elections, political analyst Dragomir Angjelkovic notes for DW. The approved resolution does not deal with geopolitical issues, but only with electoral manipulations. An independent international investigation is a proposal of the European Parliament and will be sent to the European Commission, which must decide on sending an expert mission to Serbia.

"I am sure that this commission will be formed, regardless of the attitude of the authorities in Serbia", emphasizes Nedim Sejdinovi?. "The authorities are facing a choice - either they will accept some kind of international commitment, or they will practically and symbolically close the door of the EU -'s. This does not suit Vucic's regime, because he is doing well with the situation 'we are on the European road, but we are not going there'", according to the interlocutor of DW.

An unpleasant mechanism for Vucic

Dragomir Angjelkovic emphasizes that EP resolutions are not binding, but they can be serious if they are in line with the policies of individual European states. "Since Germany is very critical of Vucic's election theft, it will start a mechanism that will be very uncomfortable for him. The regime will not be able to continue as before and, regardless of whether or not there will be an investigation, very rather, the attention will be focused on the political processes in Serbia", emphasizes Angjelkovic.

It is obvious that the authorities are currently ignoring internal and external pressures, and Nedim Sejdinovi? believes that ignoring the international community is something that is more for internal use: "We also have a continuous story that Vucic has an alternative and that he can turn to China and Russia. This is simply not true, because we see that after the elections, Vucic is making moves in favor of the West, such as the Kosovo license plates and is heating up the story with Rio Tinto." it seems that he overdid it, counting on the fact that he would avoid an international investigation", emphasizes Sejdinovi?.

America - Vucic's support

Vucic starts from the fact that he has the protection of the Americans, notes Dragomir Angjelkovic, and adds that "America is primarily interested in geopolitical issues in Serbia. While Europe is still interested in Serbia not being the European Columbia".

"Europe does not want here a state united with drug cartels and where political processes take place in the black zone. Vucic thinks that some European countries, such as Germany, which is also interested in the democratization of Serbia, do not have the role that America has. "I would say that they will understand that the extent of the EU is not so small, but until that happens, time is running out and Vu?i? is still in power," Angjelkovic emphasizes./DW