Serbia’s ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) is facing growing uncertainty following its electoral defeat, while Aleksandar Vučić and his close allies continue to signal that they intend to remain politically active and eventually return to power.
In comments reported by Serbian outlet Radar, journalists and political analysts point to internal divisions, the departure of party supporters and uncertainty surrounding the future of media outlets traditionally associated with the SNS as signs of a difficult transition for the party.
Vučić has suggested that the political situation could change within three to four months or, at the latest, two years. He has also warned his opponents that they will face consequences for their actions, maintaining that he intends to continue fighting politically.
Meanwhile, the SNS leadership is reportedly attempting to maintain discipline within its remaining party structures. According to the report, local party officials have been instructed to increase their activities, hold meetings twice a week, submit written reports and photographs, and recruit new members.
Political analyst Dragan Popović, director of the Centre for Practical Politics, believes the party could face a prolonged internal breakdown.
He argues that Vučić’s concentration of political power has made it difficult for both him and the SNS to adapt to a potential opposition role. Popović also questions whether the party can maintain its current structure without Vučić’s control.
Uncertainty surrounding pro-government media
The future of media outlets associated with the previous political establishment is another major issue following the electoral setback.
The report points to concerns about possible job cuts at television station Pink and newspapers and portals including Večernje Novosti, Alo, Blic and Srpski Telegraf.
Particular attention has been drawn to Informer, whose editor Dragan J. Vučićević has publicly criticised restrictions affecting the broadcaster.
At an event organised in support of Informer, attended by Vučić and several associates, Vučićević described the outlet as a symbol of the struggle for Serbia, while warning that any attempt to shut it down would mark the beginning of a broader political confrontation.
The article also recalls Vučić’s previous comments about journalists potentially losing their jobs at United Group-owned media outlets, when he suggested that some could be offered employment elsewhere. It raises questions about whether similar assistance could now be extended to journalists facing uncertainty at pro-government media organisations.
Political rhetoric intensifies after the election
The report also highlights increasingly confrontational statements by Vučić and other SNS figures following the election defeat.
These include warnings directed at members of the incoming political establishment, accusations against the new political movement and repeated references to imprisonment and continuing the political struggle even after death.
Vučić has publicly declared that he would not leave Serbia and that even imprisonment would not silence him. Informer editor Dragan J. Vučićević has made similar statements, including references to continuing the fight from beyond the grave.
Professor Đorđe Pavićević of the Faculty of Political Sciences believes such rhetoric reflects the difficulties facing the former ruling establishment as it adjusts to the new political circumstances.
He argues that SNS representatives are attempting to convince their supporters that the electoral defeat is temporary and that the party will soon regain control.
According to Pavićević, the statements also serve to reassure party members and associates that the leadership intends to remain in Serbia and continue its political activities.
Popović, meanwhile, links the increasingly dramatic rhetoric to uncertainty over possible legal proceedings and investigations into decisions made during the previous administration.
Possible investigations and political restructuring
The analysts also point to the possibility of further investigations into controversies and cases dating back to the beginning of SNS rule.
Pavićević says the electoral change could lead to renewed scrutiny of several unresolved cases, including the demolition in Belgrade’s Savamala district, the helicopter crash involving military personnel and the death of a worker at a motorway toll station.
He argues that the political consequences of such investigations could extend beyond individual officials and contribute to a broader restructuring of Serbia’s political landscape.
Although some former SNS figures may attempt to reorganise politically, potentially with or without Vučić, their ability to retain influence will depend partly on developments surrounding investigations and public accountability.
The report concludes that, despite the SNS still retaining formal control of certain institutions and local authorities during the transition, the party faces significant questions about its organisational future, media influence and ability to remain a dominant political force.
