Serbia: Vucic's decade-long rule faces crucial test amid economic turmoil

President Aleksandar Vucic, though absent from the ballot, has seen his government’s fate hanging in the balance.

Despite a decade of dominance, Vucic’s Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) faces a fierce challenge amidst a backdrop of surging inflation and sustained protests.

The Serbian populace, grappling with a staggering 12 percent inflation rate, has become the battleground for political aspirations.

Vucic, acknowledging the challenges, recently rallied supporters, promising relief amid tough times.

A pre-election spending surge, channeling funds into pensions and direct cash assistance to the elderly, aims to cushion the impact of rising prices.

Opinion polls suggest that Vucic’s SNS is poised to maintain its grip on power, securing around 40 percent of the vote.

The opposition, notably the “Serbia Against Violence” coalition born out of mass shootings earlier this year, emerges as a formidable contender, injecting a sense of uncertainty into the electoral landscape.

Vladimir Pejic from the Faktor Plus polling institute highlights a unique dynamic with a significant number of undecided voters, signaling potential shifts in traditional voting patterns.

The “House of Violence” movement, born from anti-government protests, has introduced a new narrative challenging the longstanding SNS dominance.

Even as Vucic’s critics anticipate localized wins, they remain skeptical about a widespread transformation. Dragica Pajic, an engineer attending an opposition rally, envisions a gradual dismantling of the political status quo, starting with victories in key cities.

Vucic’s omnipresence in the electoral discourse is palpable, dominating billboards, skyscrapers, and news channels.

A viral video showcasing the president and ministers indulging in an ostensibly thrifty meal becomes a flashpoint, drawing criticism from opponents who dismiss it as a publicity stunt.

Despite accusations of foreign interference, Vucic remains steadfast, framing the elections as a battle for the nation’s stability under his leadership.

The president’s grip on power, consolidated over the past decade, is marked by de facto control over the press and a strategic utilization of snap elections to keep the opposition off balance.