Opposition on the Appointment of the New Prime Minister-Designate

Dragan Djilas (BETAPHOTO/EMIL VAS/EV)

The appointment of Djura Macut, an endocrinologist with no political background or experience in system management, as Serbia’s prime minister-designate, is just another attempt by Aleksandar Vucic to stay in power longer, said the Party of Freedom and Justice leader, Dragan Djilas, on April 7.

Djilas warned in a written statement that Vucic's choice of prime minister-designate "is not a demonstration of strength, but a clear sign of panic and a complete inability to manage the crisis he himself created."

"The appointment of Macut, who signed a statement of support for the Serbian Progressive Party and addressed party rallies, is not the appointment of a prime minister-designate, but rather the installation of yet another obedient executor of Vucic's will. As before, Vucic will do everything by himself, relying on the logistical support of his brother and best men. Such a Government of Serbia will be yet another form of Vucic’s absolute rule, devoid of legitimacy, control, and accountability," said the opposition party leader.

President of the New Democratic Party of Serbia Milos Jovanovic described the appointment of Djura Macut as prime minister-designate "a change of the Titanic crew," led by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. "It is clear that such a government will not be able to avoid shipwreck, let alone solve the deep political and social crisis that Serbia is facing," Jovanovic said.

President of the People's Party, Vladimir Gajic, said that Macut might be a respected doctor, but still a political amateur, and that the problems in society would remain the same regardless of his appointment, adding that "he will need a magic wand" to solve them.