Vučić clashes with disabled pensioner over benefits

Protests against the Serbian government have been ongoing for months following the collapse of a tent at the Novi Sad train station, where 15 people lost their lives. However, the protest is actually a broader reflection of dissatisfaction with corruption and the power held by Aleksandar Vučić, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

While the blockade continues, Vučić was in Varvarin, where he spoke with citizens. After a speech by a pensioner, Vučić became agitated.

"I wanted to ask something for all disabled people in Serbia. I myself am disabled, I don’t have my right hand, and I receive exactly 8,750 dinars (around 75 euros). I repeat – 8,750 dinars for me and for all disabled people who were injured at work.
I’m talking about physical disabilities, and that’s what I get paid for," said a man from the audience.

"What are your other sources of income?" Vučić asked.

"I have a pension, I worked," the man replied.

"Of course, you worked. You are being paid for what you did. And you are even paid for your physical disability. So, what more can we do?" Vučić responded.

"You keep saying, you, Brnabić, and others, that you are fighting for every person, for social justice. Well, this is social justice—8,750 dinars. When you increase that amount by 11 percent, it’s not even 900 dinars."

"We are increasing pensions by 11 percent," Vučić interrupted. "When in your life has anyone increased your pension by 11 percent? When? Tell me which year? 1975? 85? 95? 2005? 2015?" Vučić listed the years angrily. "When has anyone raised your pension by 11 percent?"

"I wasn’t retired back then," the man replied.

"Oh, you weren’t retired then? Well, okay. Now they will come and give you an 11 percent increase every year," Vučić said.

"When you add 11 percent to that amount, it’s not even 900 dinars. And from those 900 dinars, 300 immediately goes to the TV subscription tax," the man said.

"I think you’re right about that," Vučić replied sarcastically. "You see, I think we should abolish state television," he added.

The man then commented, saying something along the lines of, "Will television fail if they don’t get 300 dinars?" referring to the disabled.

"No, you will go bankrupt over 300 dinars," Vučić replied. "Well, I guess I should flatter you for that extra 300 dinars."

Vučić then asked for the man to be given a microphone and asked him how much his pension was. "How much money do you receive?"