Vucic in Nis: “Kosovo is a vow,” as Pristina seizes Serbian institutions

At the main rally of the "All-People Assembly," held from May 16 to 18 and organized by the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), Vucic sharply criticized the opposition and students participating in the nearby protest “Izbori(mo) se” (“Let’s Win the Elections”), which took place at King Aleksandar Square—just a few hundred meters from the presidential gathering.

He accused the demonstrators of openly advocating for the recognition of Kosovo’s independence, calling them “foreign mercenaries” and “traitors.” “Is it possible that in Niš, people support those who want to recognise an independent Kosovo?” he asked. “There come times when the scum rises to the surface,” Vucic added, calling this a symptom of “the worst and hardest times.”

At the same time, according to the KoSSev news portal, over the past four days, the municipality of North Mitrovica—assisted by Kosovo Police and backed by central authorities—has taken control of six public buildings previously used by Serbian institutions. These included offices for the local waterworks, the National Employment Service, a sports hall, and several cultural institutions.

So far, under the rule of SNS and Vucic, at least 70 Serbian-run services have been shut down in the majority-Serb areas of Kosovo.

Vucic made no mention of these developments in his speech. Instead, he praised the loyalty of Kosovo Serbs, thousands of whom reportedly travelled to Nis to support him, according to Srpska Lista official Igor Simic.

“Both Kosovo and Metohija are Serbia,” Vucic declared. “That is not only what our Constitution says—it is our vow, something above politics.”