Serbian president dismisses political motive behind September 20 parade

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has clarified that the upcoming military parade, set to take place on September 20 in Belgrade, is not politically motivated, but rather a celebration of national pride and military progress.

Vucic underscored that the event is timed to coincide with the Day of Serbian Unity, Freedom, and National Flag, a national holiday established to commemorate the country’s cultural and historical identity, Caliber.Az reports.

“The parade was planned back in the spring, more than six months ago. It has nothing to do with the current situation,” Vucic said. “It is an expression of our intention to celebrate a national holiday and demonstrate how far the army has advanced — where investments have been made — so that citizens can see how much stronger Serbia has become compared to the past.”

The president dismissed speculation that the parade is intended as a show of force amid rising domestic tensions or political unrest. Instead, he described it as a public demonstration of Serbia’s military modernization and a tribute to the armed forces' growing capabilities.

Vucic further emphasized that the event sends a message of stability and security to both citizens and international observers, adding:

“The army remains one of the most respected and popular institutions in the country.”

By Vafa Guliyeva