Former American Chamber head Enio Jaço has reacted to Aleksandar Vučić’s defeat in Serbia’s snap elections, describing the development as extraordinary news for everyone hoping for the end of autocratic rule in the Balkans.
In his reaction, Jaço points out that Vučić’s power had long been perceived as untouchable, but recent developments have weakened the belief that authoritarian leaders cannot be removed from power.
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According to Jaço, the event also holds particular significance for Albania because of the close relationship between Prime Minister Edi Rama and the Serbian leader, as well as the similarities he sees in the way power is exercised in the two countries.
“Vučić’s defeat is extraordinary news for everyone dreaming of the end of autocrats in the Balkans.
His power appeared untouchable. But today, the belief that ‘these people never leave’ is weaker than ever.
In Albania, this defeat has a special significance. The friendship between Rama and Vučić, the similarities in autocratic governance, and the revolt that brought students onto the streets in both countries make the comparison unavoidable,” Jaço writes.
He also says that the experience of Serbian students could serve as an example for young Albanians seeking change.
“But change in Serbia does not automatically bring change to Albania.
Albanian students have much to learn from the Serbs: how they organized, how they won the trust of citizens and, above all, how they expanded beyond the universities.
Today they achieved an extraordinary moral victory: they succeeded in Serbia. For anyone protesting in Albania, this is one more reason to believe that they can succeed here too,” Enio Jaço concludes in his reaction.
