Campaign Heats Up Amid Irregularity Claims, Belgrade Faces Fiscal Strain
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The election campaign in Serbia is escalating with new allegations of voter roll irregularities, as reports from the Republic Electoral Commission and the Election Roll Audit Commission reveal hundreds of thousands more voters than registered citizens. Further concerns have been raised by testimony from a Postal Savings Bank employee, published by CRTA, claiming that staff face negative consequences if they do not participate in signature collection for political purposes.
The ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) has intensified its negative campaign tactics, employing unusual analogies to criticize opponents. This includes the Mayor of Kraljevo releasing a montage video targeting a candidate from a student list, prompting the candidate to express distress over the attack on her young child. Political consultants note a reconfiguration of Serbia's political scene, with the student movement bringing about significant changes and emphasizing the importance of vigilance and high turnout for the 'Student List' to succeed.
Meanwhile, Belgrade's city treasury is grappling with record debts and state aid, posing a significant challenge for any new government. The construction of a crucial wastewater treatment facility in Belgrade also faces ongoing delays following the departure of Chinese investors and a lack of funding.