Serbian journalist Dragana Nikolić, in an op-ed published on the investigative portal Radar, has raised serious concerns about the operations of the Tumane Monastery, describing it not as a holy site but as a financial instrument serving Serbia’s ruling party, the SNS (Serbian Progressive Party).
According to her, behind the monastery’s religious façade lies a sophisticated parallel financing network that supports the political power structure of President Aleksandar Vučić’s party.
Large sums of money—collected from candles, icons, and so-called “voluntary donations”—allegedly end up not in church or community funds, but rather in SNS coffers, financing vote buying, rallies, and propaganda campaigns.
“A dinar for a candle, a dinar for an icon, a dinar for lodging… all under the belief that you’re contributing to your salvation. But if this money ends up in a political party’s account, it becomes a profound social and moral problem,” Nikolić writes.
She also highlights the blurring of lines between religion and politics, noting that sermons in Tumane often promote the notion that “supporting Vučić means supporting God.” This, she warns, makes the separation between church and state almost impossible.
Nikolić also cites the example of SNS leader Miloš Vučević, who was awarded the Order of St. Luke by the monastery in July “as a sign of gratitude for his help and support.” Vučević later posted on Instagram that he returned “with a full heart,” to which Nikolić wryly added, “and with full pockets.”
Beyond Radar’s investigation, the Serbian outlet TPKNEWS has also reported on the scandal, claiming that Tumane Monastery has become the largest financial donor to the SNS over the past two years—surpassing oligarchs and business interest groups.
According to TPKNEWS, more than €2 million collected between August and September 2025 through donations and offerings were allegedly channeled into SNS funds to support political events and propaganda.
Locals have reportedly nicknamed Tumane “the SNS’s golden hen”, given its lucrative role in sustaining the ruling party. As one investigative piece concluded:
“While thousands of believers wait to touch the sacred relics, their money goes to strengthen the regime. Tumane, once a place of pilgrimage, has become a powerful center of political financing.”
