Serbia

Serbia's political landscape is dominated by accusations of government misconduct and questionable public spending. Minister Paunović's controversial statement regarding a non-existent institution's salary has drawn sharp criticism, while the state-owned power company, EPS, has doubled its budget for hosting journalists. These incidents fuel public debate about transparency and accountability in the administration led by President Aleksandar Vučić and Prime Minister Đuro Macut.

Furthermore, the distribution of funds from the Share Fund, with varying amounts for recipients, is under scrutiny, following an announcement by President Vučić concerning related legal changes. Critics, including Borko Stefanović, Deputy President of the Party of Freedom and Justice and Member of the National Assembly, continue to accuse President Vučić of misleading the public, particularly regarding the lifting of US tariffs. Acclaimed filmmakers Goran Marković and Rajko Grlić have also voiced strong disapproval of President Vučić, with one expressing safety concerns for a friend in Serbia.

Meanwhile, Belgrade's political scene is abuzz with discussions about the influence of Mayor Aleksandar Šapić and speculation about a potential replacement by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Siniša Mali, possibly orchestrated by President Vučić. Concerns about organized crime hindering justice, exemplified by a brutal case in Valjevo, also persist. The nation is also grappling with potential water restrictions due to low river levels or inadequate infrastructure, raising environmental and public utility concerns.