Aleksandar Vučić launches new podcast and manages Mladić funeral preparations

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has announced the launch of a new YouTube podcast titled ‘podkAVst’. He stated the program will avoid political topics, focusing instead on people’s lives, culture, sports, and history. The inaugural episode, scheduled for release this Friday, will feature basketball coach Miroslav Muta Nikolić.

In separate developments, Vučić confirmed that the body of Ratko Mladić, the former Bosnian Serb military leader convicted of genocide, is expected to arrive in Serbia. He noted that security services anticipate tens of thousands of people attending the funeral and emphasized that the state will provide logistical support to ensure public order.

Addressing economic and social issues, Vučić projected that average pensions in Serbia will soon reach between 540 and 545 euros, a significant increase from 204 euros twelve years ago. He also discussed infrastructure projects in Niš, including the development of a science and technology park and improvements to local healthcare facilities.

Meanwhile, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation reported a high level of verbal attacks against journalists in August, noting that 107 incidents were recorded, with 22 attributed to Vučić. Additionally, tensions remain high in regional diplomacy, as Vučić issued a sharp rebuke to Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković regarding historical views on fascism.