Serbia has accused Croatia of interfering in its upcoming parliamentary elections, raising tensions between the two Balkan neighbors. Former Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić backed the accusations, while Croatian Minister Oleg Butković responded with a sharp public message.
Serbia’s Foreign Ministry sent a formal protest note to Croatia on Wednesday, October 14. The complaint came just 11 days before Serbia’s early parliamentary elections.
Vučić Accuses Croatia of Interfering in Serbian Elections
Speaking to Serbian broadcaster B92, Vučić claimed that Croatia had interfered in Serbia’s election campaign more than any other country had interfered in another nation’s elections.
He welcomed the Foreign Ministry’s decision to send a diplomatic protest note. He also argued that Serbia should have taken similar action much earlier.
The Serbian Foreign Ministry accused Croatia of trying to influence domestic politics and the election campaign.
It also criticized Croatian media outlets, claiming they present Serbia’s political situation in a biased and negative way.
According to Serbian public broadcaster RTS, the ministry expressed concern about reports linking political developments in Serbia to regional stability.
Belgrade argued that such reporting harms trust and relations between the two countries.
The accusations remain unproven. The reports did not establish direct involvement by the Croatian government in Serbia’s election campaign.
Croatian Minister Responds as Serbia Prepares for Elections
Croatian Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butković responded to Vučić through Facebook.
“Idi bre pa se leči!” Butković wrote, a Serbian phrase that roughly translates to “Go get yourself treated!”
His response followed Vučić’s public accusations against Croatia.
Serbia will hold early parliamentary elections on October 25. Eighteen electoral lists will compete for 250 seats in the National Assembly.
Vučić resigned as Serbia’s president on September 27 to take part in the parliamentary campaign. He now leads the United Serbia electoral list and is seeking the prime minister’s post.
The diplomatic dispute comes during a tense election campaign in Serbia, where political parties and student-backed groups are competing for parliamentary representation.
