Aleksandar Vučić has challenged Austrian activist Günther Fehlinger to a televised debate during an election rally in Kruševac, Serbia. He accused Fehlinger of supporting his political opponents and promoting NATO membership for Serbia.
Speaking at the Square of Kosovo Heroes, Vučić called on Fehlinger to represent the student-backed electoral list in a public debate.
“Tonight, here in Kruševac, I invite Europe’s biggest NATO lobbyist, Günther Fehlinger, to a televised debate against me,” Vučić said.
“Let him represent the student list, and I will defend a freedom-loving Serbia,” he added.
Vučić also challenged the Austrian activist to choose the language of the debate.
Vučić Accuses Fehlinger of Interfering in Serbian Politics
Vučić accused Fehlinger of supporting Serbia’s opposition and advocating a confrontational policy toward Russia.
He also criticized the activist over alleged calls to remove a memorial to Milica Rakić in Belgrade.
According to Vučić, Fehlinger wants the memorial replaced with one honoring former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.
“Keep your hands off little Milica, Günther!” Vučić declared.
He insisted that neither Fehlinger nor Serbia’s opposition would receive public support for removing the memorial.
Vučić also contrasted the international figures he associates with his political campaign and those he claims support his opponents.
He cited Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Russian President Vladimir Putin as his supporters.
Meanwhile, he named Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, former Montenegrin President Milo Đukanović and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković among figures he associates with the opposition.
The claims about foreign political support were made by Vučić during his campaign speech.
Serbian Election Campaign Focuses on National Sovereignty
Vučić described the upcoming elections as a test of Serbia’s sovereignty and national interests.
He warned that the country could lose political achievements built over previous generations if his opponents came to power.
The Serbian political figure also addressed cooperation with international courts.
He said Serbia should handle legal proceedings involving its citizens domestically rather than extraditing them to foreign tribunals.
“If someone needs to be tried, we can do it in Belgrade and Serbia,” Vučić said.
He also reaffirmed his support for United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and the UN Charter when discussing Kosovo.
Vučić concluded by presenting his campaign as a defense of Serbia’s independence.
“I want to serve only my people. I want to serve only Serbia and its citizens, and no one else,” he said.
The report did not include a response from Fehlinger to the debate invitation.
