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Ministry allegedly pays diaspora groups to support ruling party

New allegations have emerged that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has allocated over 250,000 euros to diaspora groups that support the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). This comes as the EU Institute for Security Studies warns of a potential 'Georgian scenario' in the country, citing a heavy concentration of power in the hands of Aleksandar Vučić, the former President, who resigned in September 2026 to run for Prime Minister.

The political landscape remains charged ahead of upcoming elections, with concerns over potential irregularities, including 'phantom voters' and a significant increase in ID card registrations. The opposition is undergoing a 'reset' following recent elections, while betting companies are now offering odds on election results, raising questions about whether this constitutes 'indecent' political marketing.

Meanwhile, the editorial staff of Nova.rs continues to face pressures, with a complete retrospective of the 'United Media' case detailing events from Aleksandar Vučić's demand for a director's dismissal to the current protest. The ruling SNS party is also reportedly grappling with numerous scandals that could lead to the government's collapse even before elections.

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Allegations of Foreign Ministry Funding for SNS Diaspora Support

A report by BIRN alleges that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has channeled over 250,000 euros to groups within the diaspora that are supportive of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). This raises questions about the use of public funds for political party promotion.

Concerns Over Power Concentration and Democratic Backsliding

The EU Institute for Security Studies has issued a warning about a potential 'Georgian scenario' in Serbia, highlighting the significant concentration of power in the hands of Aleksandar Vučić, the former President. This assessment comes amid broader concerns about democratic backsliding and the ruling party's influence.

Ruling Party Faces Scandals and Election Concerns

The ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) is reportedly embroiled in numerous scandals, with three major ones allegedly uncovered within a 72-hour period, potentially threatening the government's stability before upcoming elections. Campaign activities continue, with Aleksandar Vučić holding a rally in Novi Sad, drawing criticism for its tone regarding a past canopy collapse incident.

Opposition Restructuring and Election Integrity Concerns

The political opposition is undergoing a 'reset' following recent elections, with discussions about future strategies. Meanwhile, concerns persist regarding electoral integrity, including the potential for 'phantom voters' and an increase in ID card registrations. Professor Vladisavljević emphasizes that the renewal of democracy, rather than ideological differences, is the key issue in the upcoming elections.

Social Media's Role and Betting on Election Outcomes

Social media is increasingly influencing election campaigns through political ads and narratives, with a SHARE Foundation analysis highlighting differing media presentations of voting abroad. Concurrently, betting companies are offering odds on election results, sparking debate over whether this constitutes 'indecent' political marketing or a genuine indicator of public sentiment.

Criticism of Cultural Policy and Nationalism

Marijana Cvetković, a producer, curator, and cultural activist, argues that removing the legacy of nationalism and clientelism from culture and institutions, which she states have polluted the sector under the current government, will be a challenging but necessary task for fostering a culture of community and mutual responsibility.

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