Velikic: Anti-lithium movement is a common cause, while Kosovo gains statehood

Yesterday, road blockades were held in Gornje Nedeljice and Preljina as part of the protests against planned lithium mining operations. Velikic reflected on the event, pointing out the potential dangers of mining near populated areas and criticizing the lack of transparency in decision-making.

“We are witnessing a great movement for the preservation of the land. The issue of lithium mining is a unique story, a common denominator that we have not had until now and one that must be utilized. I’ve realized that nowhere else are mines placed so close to residential areas, which increases the risk of poisoning. Decisions on such matters cannot be made without the consensus of the citizens, who need to have access to the full truth, not lies. Just look at the Belgrade Waterfront project—it feels like a computer-generated installation, but in ten years, many people will move out. We will face severe migrations, and who knows what that will look like,” Velikic remarked.

Speaking on Kosovo, Velikic accused the Serbian government of willful ignorance, asserting that the country has already ceded the necessary authority for Kosovo to gain independence. He also touched on Serbia’s foreign policy and the recent visit of the King of Eswatini.

“Our foreign policy, led by our president, is an attempt to sit on two chairs at once. When it comes to Kosovo, it’s like a frog slowly boiling in cold water. This situation is becoming harder to defend, especially with the recent visit from the King of Eswatini, a small African country that initially recognized Kosovo, only to later withdraw that recognition. We have minimal trade with them—$1,100 in exports and $113,000 in imports. Even the kickbacks our politicians receive are larger than that,” Velikic commented.

He expressed surprise at the extensive nature of the Eswatini visit, noting that it was unusual for a country with whom Serbia has virtually no ties to engage in a four-day visit.

“That country is now just a smokescreen. Memorandums have been signed, with reasons cited that would bridge a gap for us, leading to a compromise reduced to a phone conversation between Vucic and Putin,” Velikic told N1.

Reflecting on the surreal nature of current events, Velikic suggested that if someone had shown these developments to people 12 years ago, they would have laughed.

“We are participating in a farce. Everywhere you turn, normalcy has been banished, and abnormality has become the new normal. The government abandoned the country’s antifascist tradition long ago. Serbia has become a place where anything can be imagined, and eventually, it all comes to fruition. As for EXPO, many economists told me it was impossible, but here we are—it’s happening,” concluded Velikic.