Milorad Pupovac, president of the Independent Democratic Serbian Party (SDSS), has expressed optimism regarding the recent political changes in Serbia, suggesting they could lead to improved relations with Croatia and a better status for the Serbian community in Croatia. In a recent interview with Radio Television of Serbia (RTS), Pupovac noted that the Serbian community in Croatia is viewing these changes positively, anticipating a reduction in tensions between Belgrade and Zagreb.

Pupovac emphasized that the new Serbian government presents an opportunity for more freedom and dialogue to address long-standing issues between the two countries. He highlighted that the previous political climate, characterized by strained relations and political rhetoric aimed at consolidating power in both nations, had negatively impacted the Serbian community in Croatia. This environment, he explained, fostered insecurity and fear, often directing political frustrations and intolerance towards Serbs and their organizations.

The SDSS leader criticized the previous Serbian government’s use of the historical suffering of Serbs outside Serbia, particularly during World War II and the breakup of Yugoslavia, as a tool for political gain rather than fostering genuine remembrance and empathy for the victims. This approach, according to Pupovac, exacerbated hostilities between Serbia and Croatia and hindered cooperation, ultimately leading to a near-total breakdown in communication with the former Serbian authorities.

Pupovac expressed hope that the new government would adopt a different stance on unresolved issues between the two nations. He acknowledged contacts with representatives of the Students’ List, the political movement that recently won the elections in Serbia, and conveyed his congratulations on their victory. Pupovac noted the Students’ List’s commitment to peace, dialogue, and establishing equal relations between Belgrade and Zagreb, as indicated by their public statements.

Furthermore, Pupovac addressed the potential for joint commemorations of the suffering of Serbs and Croats during the military-police operation “Storm.” He argued for a shift in the approach to historical memory, advocating for commemorative events that are free from political agendas and focused on dignified remembrance of the deceased. This, he believes, would allow both nations to confront the destructive consequences of the 1990s wars in the former Yugoslavia and lay the groundwork for a future-oriented dialogue, rather than perpetuating past conflicts.

While Pupovac’s remarks reflect a hopeful outlook, he also acknowledged the significant responsibilities that lie ahead for the new Serbian government. He identified the strengthening of institutions, constitutional order, and Serbia’s international standing, particularly in relations with countries formed after the dissolution of Yugoslavia, as crucial tasks for the new administration.

The optimism expressed by Pupovac may not be universally shared within the Serbian community in Croatia, and there remains a degree of skepticism about the new government’s ability to implement meaningful change. Nonetheless, Pupovac’s statements underscore a potential shift in Serbian-Croatian relations, contingent on the new government’s actions and policies.