Serbian president says foreign intelligence spent billions on destabilisation efforts

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has claimed that foreign intelligence services have spent as much as four billion dollars in efforts to destabilise Serbia and undermine its social values. According to Vučić, the campaign was orchestrated by intelligence agencies from three unnamed countries, which allegedly built a network targeting students and young people to carry out subversive activities.

Speaking in a televised address, Vučić stated that the funds were used to build a broad and coordinated effort aimed at weakening Serbia from within. He alleged that the network recruited youth to promote narratives and actions that he said threaten the foundational values of Serbian society, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

The president declined to name the countries involved, citing the potential diplomatic repercussions and the need to safeguard Serbia’s international relations. However, he emphasised that intelligence operatives from multiple nations were involved in the operation.

Vučić’s remarks come amid ongoing unrest in the country. Protests have continued regularly since the tragic incident on November 1, 2024, in Novi Sad, where the newly renovated railway station’s canopy collapsed, resulting in casualties among people standing underneath.

Most recently, on September 6, anti-government demonstrations erupted again in Novi Sad. Clashes between protesters and law enforcement led to injuries and arrests, with 13 police officers reportedly injured and 42 demonstrators detained.

By Sabina Mammadli