Luxembourg-based newspaper Tageblatt has published a sharply critical analysis of Aleksandar Vučić and his ruling Serbian Progressive Party, arguing that Serbia’s long-ruling political elite has become deeply discredited and increasingly vulnerable ahead of future elections.
According to the newspaper, although student university blockades that lasted nearly a year have formally ended, public anger over corruption, nepotism, and abuse of power in Serbia remains strong — especially after the catastrophic Novi Sad incident, which it described as preventable.
Tageblatt noted that despite attempts to obstruct demonstrations, including disruptions to rail traffic, a massive number of people still gathered in Belgrade last weekend following student calls for protest.
While Serbian police claimed around 34,400 people attended, aerial footage cited by the Archive of Public Gatherings estimated participation between 180,000 and 190,000 protesters.
The newspaper argued that the scale of the protests showed growing dissatisfaction with what it described as “mafia-style manipulation, corruption, and abuse of power” that can no longer be ignored or suppressed.
Tageblatt also criticized Vučić’s reaction to the demonstrations, writing that the Serbian president — described as highly sensitive to criticism — complained during a visit to China that billions had allegedly been invested in media and “parapolitical organizations” to remove him from power.
The article suggested that Serbia’s ruling political structure “should have been replaced long ago” and predicted that Vučić’s SNS party could struggle significantly in upcoming elections, whenever they are held.
The paper further stated that “bad news has begun piling up” for what it called Serbia’s “already initiated absolute ruler,” pointing to declining popularity, corruption allegations, and growing skepticism toward Vučić even within the European Union, where he had previously been viewed more favorably.
It also argued that Vučić’s repeated nationalist confrontations with neighboring countries — often used, according to critics, to divert attention from domestic crises — are becoming less effective politically.
Finally, the article claimed that the political weakening of Viktor Orbán, described as Vučić’s close ally, may further increase pressure on the Serbian president, particularly amid accusations of entrenched corruption within Serbia’s governing system.
