Djilas writes to European institutions, officials: We urge your active involvement in resolving crisis in Serbia

Leader of the opposition Party of Freedom and Justice Dragan Djilas wrote to European institutions and officials, urging them to actively engage, through mediation, in resolving the crisis in Serbia and preventing widespread conflict.

“The only way to resolve the political and societal crisis peacefully and democratically is to apply the model that, thanks to the European Union, was implemented in North Macedonia and Montenegro, involving a caretaker government to prepare fair and democratic elections,” Djilas said.

He emphasized that “continuing to turn a blind eye and ignoring the regime’s violence and repression distances Serbia from its European future, which its citizens deserve. It poses a danger to peace and stability, not only for our country but for the entire region, and creates space for the further strengthening of influence by those who benefit from instability in this part of Europe.”

“In just under ten months after 16 people lost their lives in a canopy collapse at the Novi Sad train station as a consequence of systemic corruption during the facility’s reconstruction – Serbia finds itself in the greatest societal and political crisis of this century, threatening to escalate into widespread conflicts and bloodshed. Responsibility for this crisis lies entirely with (Serbian President) Aleksandar Vucic’s regime, which has responded to mass protests with brutal violence,” Djilas wrote.

He added that “there are numerous examples of police violence and repression, as well as evidence that the authorities, in an attempt to suppress citizen rebellion, are engaging criminals and hooligans who attack peaceful demonstrators, including members of parliament. Everyone who dares to speak out is targeted by the regime.”

Djilas sent the letter to Members of the European Parliament, European institutions – the European Commission and the European Council, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Union (EU) Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, the Council of Europe (CoE), the OSCE, and to social democrats from European political parties.