Former Serbian government minister Nebojša Stefanović made an unexpected appearance at a meeting of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) Main Board held at the MTS Dvorana.

Nebojša Stefanović, the former Serbian Minister of Interior and Minister of Defense, attended a meeting of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) Main Board at the MTS Dvorana. His presence was noted in a photograph shared on Facebook by SNS member of parliament Nebojša Bakarec. Party president Miloš Vučević described the venue as full during the session.

Political Background and Departure

Stefanović was a prominent figure in the SNS and a key ally of President Aleksandar Vučić following the 2012 presidential elections. He served as President of the National Assembly from 2012 to 2014, Minister of Interior from 2014 to 2020, and Minister of Defense until 2022. Following the 2022 elections, he was removed from both party and public roles after local SNS boards across Serbia called for his dismissal in May 2021.

Public Controversies and Strained Relations

Media reports suggested a deterioration in relations between Vučić and Stefanović, particularly after the President stated in early 2021 that he had been wiretapped. This led to public questioning of Stefanović's responsibility by pro-government media and party colleague Vladimir Đukanović. Additionally, a 2018 report by BIRN alleged that Stefanović's father acted as an intermediary in arms sales between the Krušik factory and buyers in Saudi Arabia. Former Montenegrin Chief Special Prosecutor Milivoje Katnić also testified in court regarding alleged conflicts between Vučić and Stefanović.