Vucic denies his loyalists are armed thugs

Vucic told the pro-regime TV Prva on December 31 that the SNS includes a 17,000-strong loyalist faction prepared to show support against anyone who goes against him.

“The loyalists are not thugs, but people who have their own principles … and one of the principles is that there is no coalition and cooperation with those who destroyed the country in the period 2000-2012. That's their oath,” Vucic wrote in an Instagram post commenting media reports and opposition criticism of his statements about the loyalist faction.

He said he would be laughing at the reports in independent media which he calls tycoon media (alluding to United Group founder Dragan Solak and opposition leader Dragan Djilas). “Why would I laugh, because it is clear that they have no reason for satisfaction following the meaningless New Year's protests, because they have to openly lie, to add oil to a small fire and ignite anger and hatred throughout Serbia,” he wrote.

Vucic added that the is proud of the SNS, “as the best and only party that managed to change Serbia for the better, to build its future, and this was mostly succeeded thanks to the loyalty and loyalty of its members and sympathizers”.

He also accused the independent media and opposition about the loyalist faction being armed. “These people are armed with love for the fatherland and the courage to stand up to the worst in Serbia. Pencil and paper are their weapon. Strong and invincible,” he added.

Vucic said the student and other protests failed and that alleged lies would continue. “Just stay calm. Serbia will win, as always,” he wrote.

The post included the front pages of Danas and Nova dailies with the word shameful over the reports on the loyalists.