Local election results deepen Serbia's political crisis – DW – 06/10/2025
Local elections were held in two Serbian towns on Sunday amid high tension and accusations of irregularities. With the ruling SNS and the opposition both claiming victory, it is not clear what will happen next.
"Let it echo through the skies — SNS meets its demise!" chanted citizens on the streets of two Serbian towns, Zajecar and Kosjeric, after polls closed in local elections on Sunday evening.
They were convinced that after 13 years of rule by the governing Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), change was about to happen.
"May the Serbian people experience freedom the way we are feeling it tonight in Kosjeric," declared Slavica Pantovic, the opposition candidate for municipal president.
But then, just a few hours later, the ruling SNS declared victory.
"We managed to win because the people chose the state. You can shout, block the streets, but when we step behind the curtain, we vote for our country — not against it," said President Aleksandar Vucic.
First election since Novi Sad
For the past month, all eyes in Serbia have been on Zajecar and Kosjeric.
These were the first elections to be held in Serbia since the collapse last November of the canopy at the entrance to Novi Sad railway station, which killed 16 people.
Voter turnout in the local election in Kosjeric, a town of about 10,000 in western Serbia, broke records Image: Oliver Bunic/AFP
The tragedy, which is widely seen by Serbian citizens as the result of deep-seated corruption, sparked months of protests that have put increasing pressure on populist President Aleksandar Vucic.
'We won't let you steal the votes'
Preliminary results show that the SNS won 27 seats in Zajecar compared to the opposition's 23, and 14 seats to the opposition's 13 in Kosjeric.
But the opposition refuses to acknowledge the outcome, and it is possible that there will be a recount in both towns.
"We won't let you steal the votes. You'll have to explain every bag, every sheet of paper — even the ones you've stolen," said Ugljesa Djurickovic of the opposition list Change We Believe In in Zajecar on election night.
The opposition leaders in both towns are backed by students who have already organized post-election protests in Kosjeric to "defend the will of the people." The students also announced that they would monitor any recount closely.
"If necessary, we'll call all of Serbia — and there won't be enough room here for everyone. We're defending the electoral will, because Kosjeric is free," said student Milica Maksimovic at a protest on Sunday.
NGO claims election irregularities
The monitoring mission of the NGO Center for Research, Transparency and Accountability (CRTA) has claimed that there were serious irregularities in the election.
Indeed, the CRTA's assessment after the polls was unequivocal: "These elections do not reflect the free will of the citizens."
According to the CRTA report, problems began during the campaign itself, which the center says was marred by the misuse of public resources and violence.
The elections were watched closely because they were the first to be held in Serbia since the Novi Sad train station tragedy last November Image: Jelena Đukić Pejić/DW
The center also says that there were numerous irregularities on election day itself.
"These include the illegal presence of third parties at polling stations, suspicious gatherings near polling sites, vote-buying, parallel records being kept in and outside polling stations in connection with vote-buying, individuals who were not on the voter list attempting to vote, the photographing of ballots, voting without identification, and threats to and pressure on observers," CRTA's program director Rasha Nedeljkov told a press conference.
Tension and unease
Students, citizens and opposition politicians were also active on the ground in Zajecar, claiming that they were "defending the electoral will."
They told of "Bulgarian trains" (a form of vote-buying to rig elections) and the organized transportation of voters from other areas, parallel voter lists and direct vote-buying.
"In a village called Salac, about 30 kilometers from Zajecar, there were about 1,600 thugs with metal rods. At Josif Pancic Primary School, they were bused in — in large buses, minibuses — they were carrying in and out bags, people filmed it and reported it immediately," Maja Djinovic, who had come to Kosjeric from Belgrade to support the opposition, told DW.
The atmosphere in both towns on election day was extremely tense and seemed to be on the verge of confrontation. Citizens reported the presence of unknown individuals they suspected of being thugs.
A large police presence further heightened the tension.
"I was terrified by how much police and gendarmerie there were. Why? There's no violence, no threats — we just want a better future for this town," one Zajecar resident told DW.
'A shift has taken place in society'
The atmosphere surrounding the elections in Zajecar and Kosjeric clearly reflects the unequal conditions under which elections in Serbia are held, political scientist Dusan Spasojevic told DW.
Spasojevic also pointed out that these two local elections reveal changes in the structure of the electorate and the strength of the opposition.
The death of 16 people following the collapse of the canopy at the entrance to Novi Sad railway station was widely attributed to corruption and triggered seven months of anti-graft, anti-government protests Image: Jelena Đukić Pejić/DW
"One important takeaway from these elections is the realization that there is now an articulated bloc made up of students, citizens, the opposition and civil society — which is now relatively equal to the ruling bloc and capable of competing with them in elections," said Spasojevic.
"That shows that a certain shift has taken place in society, but it's not as large as some opposition supporters believe, who think Vucic's approval has collapsed after the recent crisis," he said.
Can the opposition defeat the ruling SNS?
After the elections, students reiterated their demand for early parliamentary elections. They believe this could be the opportunity to push the SNS into opposition.
But how realistic is that now?
"What we saw on election night — both sides declaring victory — is probably the same scenario we'll see after the next parliamentary elections. In other words, both sides will go into the elections hoping that their win will be significant enough that it can't be challenged. Will that happen? Probably not, but that's the political reality here, and I don't think it will change much," said Spasojevic.
Will an early parliamentary election be called?
After claiming victory in both elections, how likely is it that the president will call an early election?
So far, the ruling party has rejected the idea, claiming there is no reason for an early poll.
President Aleksandar Vucic has previously stated that elections will be held, but not for another year and a half.
The ruling Serbian Progressive Party declared victory in both elections — a result the opposition contests Image: Jelena Đukić Pejić/DW
"Once the preparations for EXPO are complete, I'll call early elections. And in those elections, I'm afraid they've made a big mistake. I used to think the odds were even, but not anymore. We will defeat them — convincingly," Vucic said confidently.
EXPO is due to take place in Belgrade from May to August 2027, which would mean that elections could be almost two years away.
Impact on other elections in Serbia
Following the local elections in Kosjeric and Zajecar, SNS leader and former prime minister Milos Vucevic stated that not only are early parliamentary elections uncertain, but the party may reconsider holding upcoming local elections as well, accusing the opposition and students of creating a near-conflict atmosphere.
"In this kind of atmosphere, we won't go to elections — not in Negotin, not in Mionica. What happened now should never happen again," Vucevic said.
Political scientist Dusan Spasojevic, however, believes that elections are the only viable way forward.
"Maybe they're not the solution to the crisis, but they're a step toward resolving it. We saw, based on the police presence yesterday and the incidents that occurred, that this crisis cannot resolve itself under the current political and social conditions," he said.
Edited by: Aingeal Flanagan
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DW
10-06-2025
- DW
Local election results deepen Serbia's political crisis – DW – 06/10/2025
Local elections were held in two Serbian towns on Sunday amid high tension and accusations of irregularities. With the ruling SNS and the opposition both claiming victory, it is not clear what will happen next. "Let it echo through the skies — SNS meets its demise!" chanted citizens on the streets of two Serbian towns, Zajecar and Kosjeric, after polls closed in local elections on Sunday evening. They were convinced that after 13 years of rule by the governing Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), change was about to happen. "May the Serbian people experience freedom the way we are feeling it tonight in Kosjeric," declared Slavica Pantovic, the opposition candidate for municipal president. But then, just a few hours later, the ruling SNS declared victory. "We managed to win because the people chose the state. You can shout, block the streets, but when we step behind the curtain, we vote for our country — not against it," said President Aleksandar Vucic. First election since Novi Sad For the past month, all eyes in Serbia have been on Zajecar and Kosjeric. These were the first elections to be held in Serbia since the collapse last November of the canopy at the entrance to Novi Sad railway station, which killed 16 people. Voter turnout in the local election in Kosjeric, a town of about 10,000 in western Serbia, broke records Image: Oliver Bunic/AFP The tragedy, which is widely seen by Serbian citizens as the result of deep-seated corruption, sparked months of protests that have put increasing pressure on populist President Aleksandar Vucic. 'We won't let you steal the votes' Preliminary results show that the SNS won 27 seats in Zajecar compared to the opposition's 23, and 14 seats to the opposition's 13 in Kosjeric. But the opposition refuses to acknowledge the outcome, and it is possible that there will be a recount in both towns. "We won't let you steal the votes. You'll have to explain every bag, every sheet of paper — even the ones you've stolen," said Ugljesa Djurickovic of the opposition list Change We Believe In in Zajecar on election night. The opposition leaders in both towns are backed by students who have already organized post-election protests in Kosjeric to "defend the will of the people." The students also announced that they would monitor any recount closely. "If necessary, we'll call all of Serbia — and there won't be enough room here for everyone. We're defending the electoral will, because Kosjeric is free," said student Milica Maksimovic at a protest on Sunday. NGO claims election irregularities The monitoring mission of the NGO Center for Research, Transparency and Accountability (CRTA) has claimed that there were serious irregularities in the election. Indeed, the CRTA's assessment after the polls was unequivocal: "These elections do not reflect the free will of the citizens." According to the CRTA report, problems began during the campaign itself, which the center says was marred by the misuse of public resources and violence. The elections were watched closely because they were the first to be held in Serbia since the Novi Sad train station tragedy last November Image: Jelena Đukić Pejić/DW The center also says that there were numerous irregularities on election day itself. "These include the illegal presence of third parties at polling stations, suspicious gatherings near polling sites, vote-buying, parallel records being kept in and outside polling stations in connection with vote-buying, individuals who were not on the voter list attempting to vote, the photographing of ballots, voting without identification, and threats to and pressure on observers," CRTA's program director Rasha Nedeljkov told a press conference. Tension and unease Students, citizens and opposition politicians were also active on the ground in Zajecar, claiming that they were "defending the electoral will." They told of "Bulgarian trains" (a form of vote-buying to rig elections) and the organized transportation of voters from other areas, parallel voter lists and direct vote-buying. "In a village called Salac, about 30 kilometers from Zajecar, there were about 1,600 thugs with metal rods. At Josif Pancic Primary School, they were bused in — in large buses, minibuses — they were carrying in and out bags, people filmed it and reported it immediately," Maja Djinovic, who had come to Kosjeric from Belgrade to support the opposition, told DW. The atmosphere in both towns on election day was extremely tense and seemed to be on the verge of confrontation. Citizens reported the presence of unknown individuals they suspected of being thugs. A large police presence further heightened the tension. "I was terrified by how much police and gendarmerie there were. Why? There's no violence, no threats — we just want a better future for this town," one Zajecar resident told DW. 'A shift has taken place in society' The atmosphere surrounding the elections in Zajecar and Kosjeric clearly reflects the unequal conditions under which elections in Serbia are held, political scientist Dusan Spasojevic told DW. Spasojevic also pointed out that these two local elections reveal changes in the structure of the electorate and the strength of the opposition. The death of 16 people following the collapse of the canopy at the entrance to Novi Sad railway station was widely attributed to corruption and triggered seven months of anti-graft, anti-government protests Image: Jelena Đukić Pejić/DW "One important takeaway from these elections is the realization that there is now an articulated bloc made up of students, citizens, the opposition and civil society — which is now relatively equal to the ruling bloc and capable of competing with them in elections," said Spasojevic. "That shows that a certain shift has taken place in society, but it's not as large as some opposition supporters believe, who think Vucic's approval has collapsed after the recent crisis," he said. Can the opposition defeat the ruling SNS? After the elections, students reiterated their demand for early parliamentary elections. They believe this could be the opportunity to push the SNS into opposition. But how realistic is that now? "What we saw on election night — both sides declaring victory — is probably the same scenario we'll see after the next parliamentary elections. In other words, both sides will go into the elections hoping that their win will be significant enough that it can't be challenged. Will that happen? Probably not, but that's the political reality here, and I don't think it will change much," said Spasojevic. Will an early parliamentary election be called? After claiming victory in both elections, how likely is it that the president will call an early election? So far, the ruling party has rejected the idea, claiming there is no reason for an early poll. President Aleksandar Vucic has previously stated that elections will be held, but not for another year and a half. The ruling Serbian Progressive Party declared victory in both elections — a result the opposition contests Image: Jelena Đukić Pejić/DW "Once the preparations for EXPO are complete, I'll call early elections. And in those elections, I'm afraid they've made a big mistake. I used to think the odds were even, but not anymore. We will defeat them — convincingly," Vucic said confidently. EXPO is due to take place in Belgrade from May to August 2027, which would mean that elections could be almost two years away. Impact on other elections in Serbia Following the local elections in Kosjeric and Zajecar, SNS leader and former prime minister Milos Vucevic stated that not only are early parliamentary elections uncertain, but the party may reconsider holding upcoming local elections as well, accusing the opposition and students of creating a near-conflict atmosphere. "In this kind of atmosphere, we won't go to elections — not in Negotin, not in Mionica. What happened now should never happen again," Vucevic said. Political scientist Dusan Spasojevic, however, believes that elections are the only viable way forward. "Maybe they're not the solution to the crisis, but they're a step toward resolving it. We saw, based on the police presence yesterday and the incidents that occurred, that this crisis cannot resolve itself under the current political and social conditions," he said. Edited by: Aingeal Flanagan
DW
03-06-2025
- DW
Journalists in Serbia pessimistic about pledged media reform – DW – 06/03/2025
Both student protesters and the EU are calling on the Serbian government to ensure media freedom and the rule of law. Will the reforms pledged by Belgrade bring real change or are they just window-dressing for Brussels? For Zoran Strika, a journalist at the Novi Sad-based portal workdays have become almost unbearable. Protests have not let up since the collapse of the canopy at the entrance to Novi Sad railway station killed 16 people last November. The pressure in newsrooms across the country is mounting: There's more work, fewer resources and the threats to journalists are becoming increasingly blatant. After years of facing verbal abuse, Strika says that he was recently physically attacked for the first time while reporting. Physical assault He was filming supporters of the ruling SNS party gathering for a rally in Belgrade when he witnessed a violent assault on a passerby who had tried to take a photo. Student protesters call for more objective and responsible journalism, media freedom and the adherence to ethical standards during a demonstration outside the Belgrade offices of 'Informer,' a pro-government tabloid newspaper Image: SPASA DAKIC/SIPA/picture alliance "Three men knocked him to the ground, started beating him, took his phone and threw it into the Danube. Then one of them saw that I was filming and came after me, trying to grab my phone," Strika told DW. The situation briefly calmed down, and Strika attempted to help the injured man by lending him his phone. Then their attackers returned. "I explained that I was a journalist, told them to back off, and that the police had been called. They snatched my phone from the injured man's hand. I tried to get it back, but they threw it into the Danube," says Strika. Attacks on journalists increasing The Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia (IJAS) recorded 128 cases of attacks and the exertion of pressure on journalists in Serbia in the first five months of the year compared to 166 for all of 2024. "Physical attacks are on the rise, and what's concerning is that they happen even in the presence of the police. Journalists are portrayed as instigators simply for doing their job, and the police do not intervene," Tamara Filipovic Stevanovic, secretary-general of the IJAS, told DW. The biggest issue, she says, is the lack of accountability: Attacks rarely have legal consequences, which allows government-aligned media and public officials to continue targeting independent journalists. After months of student-led anti-graft protests, students blocked the entrances to RTS in Belgrade for two days, accusing the national broadcaster of ignoring their massive movement Image: Oliver Bunic/AFP/Getty Images The surveillance of journalists is also a growing concern. Amnesty International has reported that Serbian authorities have unlawfully monitored journalists' and activists' phones . One of those targeted is local journalist Slavisa Milanov from Dimitrovgrad, who said that spyware was installed on his phone while he was in police custody — without a warrant from the prosecutor. "Are we criminals that such software is used on us?" he said on the N1 television channel. "Whatever happens to me or to someone close to me, I will hold the state responsible." EU withholds millions in response to sluggish reform Local and international watchdogs monitoring media freedom in Serbia have for years been drawing attention to the threat to journalists' safety. Demands for free media have been at the heart of every major civil protest in Serbia over the past decade. The European Union has even included these demands in its requirements relating to Serbia's EU accession process. The country's new reform agenda — which outlines the reforms it must implement by 2027 — prioritizes changes to media laws and the appointment of members to the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media (REM), which among other things issues broadcasting licenses and supervises TV and radio stations' compliance with the law. From Novi Sad to Brussels: A 1,950-km run for justice To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video After Serbia failed to implement these reforms, the EU delayed the payment of €111 million ($126 million) in aid. The government reacted swiftly, launching a new procedure to select REM members and distributing draft media laws to working groups, which in some cases included experts and representatives of NGOs and unions. "Please send us your comments on all three draft laws within the next 48 hours, so we do not further delay the adoption process and slow down Serbia's European integration," read an e-mail seen by DW that was sent by the Ministry of Information and Telecommunications to working group members. Retaliation against independent media? The IJAS says that it does not feel it is delaying any reforms or slowing down the country's European integration in any way. In response to encouragement from the EU and other international organizations to engage in dialogue with Serbian authorities, the IJAS has done so, even though it feels that it has repeatedly been betrayed by the state. "We are exhausted because we keep working tirelessly, only to find that all our effort, expertise and engagement were in vain," says Filipovic Stevanovic. "Even when something ends up in the law, there's no guarantee it won't be abused or undermined by bylaws that completely alter its intent." That's exactly what happened with the media co-funding system, she explains. People without relevant experience or credibility were appointed to commissions that decide how public funds are allocated to the media. As a result, Novi Sad-based did not receive a single dinar from this funding system for the first time in 2025. Journalists hope that the past seven months of protests in Serbia will raise awareness of the importance of independent, objective journalism Image: Darko Vojinovic/AP Photo/picture alliance Zoran Strika says this is "state retaliation against media outlets that reported professionally on everything that occurred in Novi Sad and Serbia since November 1." According to DW's sources, the funds instead went to outlets with close ties to the ruling party — many of which routinely violate journalistic ethics. 'It will only get worse' "Reforms must be real — not just a checklist on paper," said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas during her recent visit to Serbia. But behind closed doors, says the IJAS, there are no assurances that the EU will make sure that Serbia will take a genuine reform path. Indeed, there is a widespread sense of pessimism in Serbia's media sector, with many expecting the situation to deteriorate further. "The media are a crucial tool of this government, and it's very clear that the goal is not to improve the situation but to tighten control even further and turn the media more completely into a propaganda machine," says Tamara Filipovic Stevanovic. Nevertheless, Zoran Strika is hopeful that the protests will lead to a shift in public awareness of the importance of a free and independent media in Serbia. "I hope citizens will recognize the importance of the local media that have truly invested themselves in delivering quality over the years — and that they will be the ones to keep these media alive," he says. Edited by: Aingeal Flanagan
Int'l Business Times
09-05-2025
- Int'l Business Times
From Blockades To Ballots: Serbian Students Confront Government
Serbian students leading an anti-corruption movement that has rocked the Balkan country for months maintained the pressure Friday with a march in the western city of Loznica -- the first major protest since their call for early elections. Many arrived the night before on foot from across Serbia and were welcomed by residents with flags and fireworks. The country has been shaken by months of protests sparked by the deaths of 16 people when a newly renovated railway station roof collapsed in the northern city of Novi Sad in November -- a tragedy widely seen as the result of deep-rooted corruption. Students have blocked universities, streets and roads, marched across Serbia, cycled to Strasbourg, and run to Brussels -- all while remaining nonpartisan in their message. These actions have "helped raise awareness" and "reached parts of the public that the political opposition had never reached", Dusan Vucicevic, a University of Belgrade political science professor, told AFP. But as demonstrations have escalated, "people have been waiting for some political articulation," he added, referring to tactics. Earlier this week, students shifted gears and called for early parliamentary elections. "We came to the point where we realised that this government is not going to fulfil our demands. This has lasted for almost six months, and they are acting like we don't exist," Andjela, a Belgrade Academy student, told AFP. Students have demanded accountability for the tragedy, prosecution of those who attacked protesters, dismissal of charges against arrested students, and an investigation into the alleged use of a sound cannon during a demonstration in March. Facing the greatest challenge of his 12-year rule, the Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has oscillated between calls for dialogue and accusations that the students are backed by foreign powers seeking a "colour revolution." Commenting on their demand for elections, he said Wednesday that students "won't wait long" -- though he offered no date. Students have already begun preparing with a list of candidates they would support, which they say "would unite the largest number of Serbian citizens" by featuring the names of eminent individuals rather than politicians. "Students won't be candidates. It will be people we trust," Andjela said, adding that a criteria for prospective candidates was still being established. Vucicevic said the students' strength lies in their emotional connection with the public, as well as in the fact that their "demands are political but not party-driven". "They focus on respect for law, social justice, and political accountability -- universal values that resonate widely," Vucicevic said. Most opposition parties -- ranging from the left to the centre -- have said they will support the students' demands and assist them in organising. However, parties have stated whether they would pull candidates in favour of the students' preferred nominees. Vucicevic pointed out that the opposition struggles with public trust -- partly as a result of smear campaigns led by the government and pro-government media. But students are shifting voter perception. "Many anti-Vucic voters voted not for the opposition but against Vucic. In contrast, the student movement is growing a base of pro-student voters," the political scientist said. Parliamentary elections were last held in December 2023, with the ruling nationalist party claiming victory amid fraud allegations dismissed by Vucic. The united opposition won 23.5 percent of the vote. Protests have since prompted the prime minister's resignation and the government's fall. A new government, led by a political novice and medical doctor, was elected by parliament in mid-April. Students have demanded accountability for the tragedy, prosecution of those who attacked protesters, dismissal of charges against arrested students AFP
