Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that the military parade in Belgrade has nothing to do with daily political events, as claimed by opposition representatives, RSE reported.

“This is an expression of our desire to mark a national holiday and to show how far the army has advanced. For the people to see what we have invested in and how much stronger Serbia is compared to yesterday. For the people to see that they can feel safe,” Vučić said.

The military parade, titled “The Power of Unity,” is scheduled for September 20.

It is taking place amid large anti-government protests in the country, sparked by the death of 16 people in an incident in Novi Sad ten months ago.

Part of the Serbian public, led by opposition parties, is outraged by the organization of the parade, believing that Vučić intends to “demonstrate strength” at a time of significant societal polarization.

On the other hand, according to government statements, the reason for the parade is the national holiday — Day of Serbian Unity, Freedom, and National Flag, which Serbia observes together with the Bosnian entity Republika Srpska.

The parade is also occurring amid heightened tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, due to Republika Srpska’s refusal to accept the decision of the Central Election Commission of BiH to revoke the mandate of Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik.

Aleksandar Vučić noted that the parade was planned more than six months in advance and represents a message of stability, security, and safety for the country, as well as a deterrent to potential aggressors against Serbia.

He emphasized that such a message is extremely important “in a world of uncertainty, chaos, and general madness.”

“But this anti-Serbian hysteria [against the military parade] is nothing new. Especially these attacks from people of the Green-Left Front, who say that this is the same army that killed brothers during the conflicts of the 1990s. First, these are young men who are 30 years younger, and second, our soldiers were also being killed by some who now flatter [us],” he said.

Vučić added that he “doesn’t follow these comments much,” but cannot believe that someone is “so politically illiterate” as to show hatred toward their own army, which is one of the most respected institutions in society.

“There is a tendency for anarcho-liberal leftist circles to try to bring down both the army and all institutions. First, they attacked the Serbian Orthodox Church, and now they want to bring down the army,” Vučić said.

Serbia declared military neutrality in 2006, being surrounded by NATO members with whom it cooperates under the Partnership for Peace program.

At the same time, as an EU candidate country, Serbia is developing cooperation with Russia and China, from which it has already begun purchasing military weapons. | BGNES