Of course it couldn't have been a completely ordinary day. After a three-day summer event with an exposition and the election of the government, this was Vučić's first visit to the assembly. The occasion was different. Time was shorter. But the principle remained the same. Similar was the excitement of the parliamentary officials and representatives of the ruling party as they crowded at the entrance, waiting for the prime minister. The organized applause that greeted the government was similar. With the fact that this time there was no bell, but Aleksandar Martinović, from the front row, coordinated the timing and intensity of the ovation with a discreet nod of his head.
WARM-UP FOR MARATHON RUNNERS: Everything was hinting at another routine monologue by Vučić, interrupted by occasional insults from opposition MPs who managed to get a word in at all. But, alas, evil business practice dictated that the first question be asked by an independent deputy, and that - at least formally - at this moment was only Zoran Živković. (I have a feeling that until the next time, that is, until the new appearance of Aleksandar Vučić in the parliament, there will certainly be many more independent deputies, which will leave the leadership of the assembly with the opportunity to sort out the first "questioner" among them a little better.)
Živković took advantage of the opportunity. It started relatively benign and gradually increased the gas. He asked about the "terrorist group" that allegedly tried to kill the Prime Minister of Montenegro, referred to the arrest of an alleged spy at the top of the Criminal Police Directorate, questioned data on the government's economic successes, recalled the "helicopter affair", mentioned Savamala, and asked something related to the sports mafia, as well as the company "Asomakum"?
And Vučić started slowly, like an experienced marathon runner, confident in himself, and at the same time aware that he has as much time as he wants and as much as he wants. "When you talk about wages, after this increase some will have higher wages than they have ever had, but some will have healthy wages, wages based on what we have earned, not on spending our children's future." So that's a huge difference, and their salaries will be higher than they were before. (...) We will try to achieve the same with pensions and I want to congratulate you as well as all other citizens of Serbia, which is unlike the period in which you ruled, when we were below the hundredth place, or it was not even measured, since we couldn't measure up in any way. So, in just two years, Serbia went from 91st place on the World Bank's Doing Business list to 47th place. We will try to improve our position there, to show that we can do even better, but I also congratulate the citizens of Serbia. I also congratulate the citizens of Serbia that we managed to reduce unemployment from 26,5 to 15,2 percent, and we will lower that unemployment below 12 percent by the end of this government's mandate."
And as for Živković's set of security questions, the prime minister's answer was strikingly curt and formal, as if from the worst handbook for ONO and DSZ from socialist times. "I want you to know that we have increased activity of various foreign intelligence agencies, security agencies on the territory of our country, but that the citizens of Serbia should be calm because our security agencies, our security agencies, our intelligence teams are doing their job well and we know how to protect our country. I think that's important for the citizens, that they can be calm and peaceful."
As could be expected, Zoran Živković was not impressed: "Ten minutes into the story, I didn't get a single answer, as usual. (…) Now there were six more minutes of empty talk. I didn't get any response again."
BOMB AND PYROTECHNICIANS: And then there was a bomb that determined the course of the session, and in some way maybe the future months of Serbian political life.
Zoran Živković: "After what was said, I think it is very important to find out how you are, Prime Minister?" How is your health? Do you feel capable of the work you do? I am asking you with the best of intentions, so I would like to receive an answer. Thank you."
There was complete chaos in the hall. Deputies of the ruling majority are dismayed. The opposition applauds enthusiastically. Vučić stares stiffly in front of him, with clenched jaws and with "that" expression on his face. It can be seen that he is in shock and seems as if he does not have the strength to answer immediately. But there is a boost in the form of constructive questions from Dubravka Filipovski (New Serbia), who "like the majority of citizens, is interested in the economy, economic development and investments that bring a better life to the citizens of Serbia."
And then, behind her, as an additional reinforcement, the already famous Milija Miletić from Svrljig arrives. "Dear Prime Minister Mr. Vučić, respected ministers, respected Presidents of the Assembly, fellow MPs, citizens of Serbia, I am Milija Miletić and I come from Svrljig, it is the most beautiful municipality in Serbia, which is located next to the most beautiful city in Serbia, which is the city of Niš , where you, Mr. Vučić, Mr. Prime Minister, were a few weeks ago and showed how you value and respect every part of our Serbia. I'm going to ask you a few questions. The first is whether subsidies for agriculture with an emphasis on animal husbandry will continue and whether it will be possible to increase subsidies for hilly and mountainous areas, for underdeveloped municipalities and for devastated municipalities? (...) Will work be done on the reconstruction of the construction of buildings, schools and health centers in the southeastern part of Serbia, as is being done here in Svrljig? (…) Is there a possibility to finish the gymnasium in Svrljig and in other municipalities in the southeast of Serbia?" And so five or six more questions, all in that style.
The Prime Minister, of course, answered at length and exhaustively - thanking the MPs for the opportunity to "talk about serious matters as well". Later, the Minister of Agriculture Branislav Nedimović joined. In short, Svrljig and Mr. Milija were respected as probably never before in the history of Serbian political and parliamentary life.
However, he also returned to that, obviously, blistering Živković question, which remained floating in the air and which, as I said, marked this entire parliamentary session.
THE HEART OF A STATESMAN: "I will also refer to the primitive, not only primitive and simple, but I would also say a question that not only honorable, but also decent people, it seems to me, would never allow themselves to ask someone, especially not in such a way." Those who enthusiastically applauded it, there were very few of them, only show that they are even worse than the simpletons and primitives who did it." (Applause comes simultaneously from the benches of the ruling party and the opposition, but the Prime Minister refers only to these others.) "Look, respected citizens of Serbia, how they immediately recognized themselves, how primitivism and simpletons are immediately recognized."
Maja Gojkovic (MPs): "Please express your emotions a little more quietly."
Aleksandar Vučić: "It's a better practice if it's a little louder." (…) But now I'm going to reveal to you why there's so much nervousness, so that the rest of you can know. A big omnibus survey was completed last night and the biggest drop is recorded by those who hate the most. So much to keep in mind. This is about the will of our people." (Frenetic applause from the progressive part of the hall, but also from the ranks of "Enough is enough", to whom this message about the "biggest drop" in ratings was intended.) "I just have to tell you that it that you are trying to make a circus or an amusement park out of the parliament, that you will not succeed and luckily..."
Sasa Radulovic (throws from the spot): "You are in charge of that."
photo: dragan kujundžić / tanjugHOW TO GET TO NAPOLEON: Parliament of Serbia
Aleksandar Vučić (continues): "...and don't threaten, insult, or shout, because much bigger, smarter and stronger than you tried it, but it didn't work out for them and it won't." And then, through a smug smile: "You managed to you lift my mood, after a hard and tiring day I feel much better in this atmosphere. (…) In response to the question of how I am, do I feel good, am I healthy - I don't complain. Surely there are people who are physically healthier than me, but I think that, as Napoleon said..." (pauses, at the mention of Napoleon there is general laughter in the opposition part of the hall) "...and I'm not sure that some people know that, and especially I didn't understand what you find funny."
Sasa Radulovic (despite the microphone being turned off, very loud and very audible): "You can't beat yourself up, man!"
Maja Gojković: "Member of Parliament, read Article 109."
Saša Radulović: "You said there was no violation of the Rules of Procedure."
Maja Gojković: "Read Article 109. I'm telling you for your own good, because what you don't like the most is when I give you a warning because it goes to your pocket." So, nothing else helps. You have really exceeded every measure of decency and behavior in this parliament."
Aleksandar Vučić (continues, with a disdainful look towards the DJB ranks): "I want to tell the citizens of Serbia that the fact that I am restrained and that I do not react to primitivism and simpletons is not an expression of my fear, but an expression of my respect for the citizens of Serbia. I am very proud of the fact that out of anger and hatred you cannot come up with anything other than your fake smile and loud applause because you cannot offer anything clever to the citizens of Serbia or to the people's deputies (...) To conclude, the heart of a statesman and politician should be in your head.' That's what Napoleon Bonaparte used to say. And as for my head, it must be fine, thanks for asking. I will try to keep it that way."
Olena Papuga (LSV), Marko Đurišić (SDS), Dragan Marković Palma (JS), Nenad Milić (LDP) and Milan Lapčević (DSS) also spoke. It is interesting that the prime minister's attitude towards these last two (especially towards Milić, and because of Lapčević he even extended the scheduled time for the duration of the session) was very benevolent and almost kind - of course, within the limits of Vučić's, at least in terms of kindness, rather limited powers.
PS. The representatives of DS, Dveri, Radikal and "Dosta je bilo", as well as our little ones, did not get their turn to ask the Prime Minister something. Just like it probably won't make it next time either.
The author is a deputy and editor of NSPM
Mr. Vučić,
there are many questions that remain unresolved after our last meeting in this place. And a lot more has accumulated in these two and a half months. Therefore, due to the shortness of time, I would go only to the essential and most important.
Without irony, I have to give you credit for how skillfully and methodically you eliminate your political opponents, split opposition parties, replace uncooperative leaders, create chaos and create a suitable and "constructive" opposition. Your predecessors did it, more or less, too, although none with so much passion, commitment and destructive energy. But I ask you - what will you do when you get everything under control? What if there is no real opposition party left in the parliament and what if there are no newspapers, no media that wants and is allowed to say or write something bad and unpleasant about you? And yes. Twitter, Facebook and social networks will be damned. But, here, imagine if you cancel them too, or at least intimidate and discourage their users from speaking critically about you. Do you think that will make them love you more? Will Serbia be a more advanced and democratic country? Will you personally be happier?
Also, I have to admit that you manipulate your electorate perfectly. It is that you have virtually unlimited resources, means and power that your predecessors in power (from Milosevic to Tadić) could not even dream of. It is true that you have - or at least had - serious external support, both in the East and in the West (because you promised both of them more than your predecessors - and now you are in trouble because you cannot fulfill all these contradictory promises). It is that your electorate is older, less educated and less informed (which you don't like to hear, but we both know it is so) and, given that, significantly more susceptible to the mechanisms of your political and media manipulation. But, in spite of that, your skill and your results on that front are by no means to be underestimated. But it is precisely this manipulation that you use so skilfully that produces resistance and odium among the younger, more educated and politically literate part of the public - and that, obviously, annoys and drives you crazy.
I do not expect that you will imagine and be worried because I tell you that your political manners, your political practice and your political ambition are authoritarian, and in many respects totalitarian and proto-fascist. (I will be happy to elaborate and explain this to you at some point when we have more time.) I am only trying, without hatred or passion, to warn you of what is almost inevitable if you continue down that path. I don't like it when the National Assembly is made into a circus. I don't even like it when my colleagues from the opposition do it. But that is a consequence of the climate that you and the parliamentary majority - with honorable exceptions - continuously create.
You, personally, Mr. Vučić, are creating an atmosphere of hatred and civil strife in Serbia. You, personally, encourage your media, ministers and collaborators to constantly launch theories about "coups d'état", smear tabloid mud and slander anyone from public life who dares to oppose you. You, personally, produce general social paranoia, launch conspiracy theories, invent assassinations and neurotize the public. Perhaps you can convince someone from the outside that this is necessary in order to "implement the necessary reforms" and deal with the "conservative electorate" which, apparently, you need to manipulate so that it does not turn away from the "European path", towards Russia and the East - and in fact, you encourage the worst paranoia and the lowest passions among these citizens in order to present yourself in the West as the only support and guarantor of that "European path".
Believe me, that can't end well for anyone. Not for you, not for us, not for the state. Not even for those outside, who may support you, if they really care about internal and regional stability. You simply rush into some irrational conflicts and drag all of us and the whole society into them. That is not my wish, I am a peaceful man. But you, simply, I don't know if because of some of your fear or your megalomania, you multiply resistance at every step and sooner or later make an enemy out of everyone who has a shred of dignity and does not agree to be your doormat and servant.
Can you stop before it's too late? That is my main question for you and, at the same time, my most well-intentioned advice.
