N1 debate questions Vučić pardons for 49 people

The fourth N1 debate on the rule of law centered on former Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s decision to pardon 49 people shortly before leaving office. The discussion focused on whether the move was lawful, transparent and compatible with the separation of powers.

The debate brought together Slobodan Cvejić of European Serbia, Miloš Stanković of the Authentic Right, Marina Raguš from the Aleksandar Vučić - United Serbia list and Ivana Petrović from the Student List. Their exchange reflected the wider political dispute over how presidential pardon powers should be used in practice.

Vučić said the pardons covered 12 activists from the so-called Novi Sad group and 11 people involved in incidents against students and protesters. He did not disclose the names of the remaining 26 people.

The Justice Ministry said it did not know who had been pardoned and would not take part in carrying out the decisions. That position highlighted a procedural gap that the debate participants linked to questions about oversight and institutional responsibility.

Presidential pardons are a constitutional power, but the discussion raised the issue of whether they can be used as a political instrument. The panel also examined whether such decisions could weaken judicial independence and the principle of equality before the law.

For foreign readers, the issue matters because pardon decisions can affect public trust in institutions and the way Serbia’s constitutional powers are exercised. The debate forms part of a broader public conversation about the balance between political authority and the legal system.

The next step is whether further details about the 26 unnamed pardoned people will be made public, and whether any official explanation will follow from the authorities involved. For more context on Serbian politics and institutions, see latest news.