Serbia has been identified as Russia’s closest ally in Europe, with pervasive corruption characterizing its political and economic systems. This conclusion comes from an analysis by the German Friedrich Naumann Foundation, as reported by Vijesti.me.
The report highlights Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, having met him 17 times. Vučić received the Order of Alexander Nevsky in 2019, an honor typically reserved for distinguished Russian figures, marking a high point in his political career.
Russian Influence in Serbia
The analysis, titled “Russia and the Pioneers of Autocracy: How the Kremlin Destabilizes Europe,” underscores Serbia’s failure to align its policies with the European Union, particularly its refusal to impose sanctions on Russia. Key elements include:
- Energy and Trade Links: Serbia’s national airline, Air Serbia, continues regular flights to Russia, while a controversial Russian-Serbian “humanitarian center” near Niš is suspected of being a hub for Russian intelligence activities.
- Media Propaganda: Pro-government media in Serbia serve as a conduit for Russian narratives, portraying Russia positively while demonizing the West.
- Political Endorsements: High-ranking Serbian officials actively disseminate pro-Russian and anti-Western narratives.
Regional and Domestic Implications
The report links Serbia’s political strategies to a broader nationalist agenda, likened to Russia’s “Russkiy Mir” (Russian World) project. It notes that this nationalist policy fueled conflicts during the breakup of Yugoslavia and continues to affect regional stability.
Domestically, the report criticizes the systematic erosion of institutional independence in Serbia. It claims that:
- Public Institutions: Parliament, judiciary, and local authorities are manipulated to serve the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
- Employment: Political loyalty is a prerequisite for jobs in the public sector, with approximately 10% of the population reportedly members of SNS.
- Election Manipulation: SNS members are allegedly tasked with securing votes from family and acquaintances.
Vučić’s Political Strategy
The analysis describes Vučić’s media dominance as a key tool for maintaining power. He frequently appears on television, presenting himself as the driving force behind Serbia’s development while blending his identity with the state. His speeches often include dramatic claims about conspiracies and investments to keep the public emotionally engaged.
The marginalization of the opposition is another concern. Critical journalists and politicians face daily attacks from pro-government media, accused of treason, corruption, and immorality. Despite these challenges, the report raises questions about how a weakened opposition could pose a genuine threat to Vučić’s administration, which has access to the police, intelligence, and military.
A Shared Playbook
The analysis draws parallels between leaders like Putin, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and Vučić, noting their shared use of nationalism, centralized media, and institutional control to maintain power.
This report underscores Serbia’s complex relationship with Russia and the EU, highlighting how internal and external influences shape its political landscape.
