Serbian Government dismisses state company director who criticized lithium mining

Srbijasume Director and Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS) MP Braunovic was scheduled to be dismissed at a Government session back in July, but the item was withdrawn at the last moment.

Braunovic drew considerable public attention with his criticism of lithium mining, a project supported by both the Government and by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

“Centuries pass, brothers and sisters, and nothing changes. People continue to work against our country and our people in concert. From this place today, I must send a few messages to our so-called domestic and foreign allies. They won't be able to insult and belittle us fighters from their comfortable chairs and label us as traitors. Let me send a message to our foreign allies: the line between lithium and processions is very thin, be cautious about what you do. So, brothers and sisters, to a fight, life or death,” Braunovic said in a video that emerged shortly before the July proposal for his dismissal.

His remarks received little praise from his own party colleagues and Serbian President Vucic, who commented, “Well, even the directors of the largest state enterprises in Serbia have given speeches on this topic, paid people, encouraged them, like the director of Srbijasume.”