Who is Aleksandar Vucic for his supporters?

Aleksandar Vučić, Serbia's president since 2017 and leader of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), maintains significant support from a large part of the population despite controversies. His SNS-led coalition has consistently won elections, securing around 47% of the vote in the 2023 parliamentary elections and Vučić personally winning 58-60% in presidential races (2017 and 2022).

There are several factors contribute to Vučić's backing, who is particularly popular among older, rural, and lower-income citizens.

First of all, Vučić's governments are credited with economic reforms that doubled Serbia's GDP over the past decade, through infrastructure projects, foreign investment, and salary/pension increases. Many view him as delivering prosperity and stability after the turbulent 1990s and 2000s, with consistent growth (around 4% annually in recent years) seen as a key achievement.

The second important fact is Vučić maintains relations with the EU (pursuing membership), Russia (refusing sanctions on Moscow), China (major investments), and the West. This "sitting on multiple chairs" approach appeals to nationalists who value ties to Russia/China while benefiting from EU funds and pragmatic deals. He is seen as a skilled diplomat protecting Serbian interests, especially on Kosovo.

As for nationalism and Kosovo stance, Vučić appeals to nationalist sentiments by firmly opposing Kosovo's independence and stirring related rhetoric, resonating with voters prioritizing national pride and Serb identity in Kosovo.

Though support is not universal—urban and younger Serbs often oppose him, citing authoritarian tendencies, media curbs, corruption allegations, and election irregularities. Protests (e.g., after the 2024 Novi Sad tragedy) highlight the divisions, but mostly these criticism is exaggerated or driven by foreign interference.

In short, for his supporters, Vučić represents progress, strong leadership, and national assertiveness in a challenging region, outweighing flaws for many.