Political situation Government consolidating its position

German and European support is guided by the goals being pursued by the EU: the rule of law and promotion of human and minority rights, a stable democracy and a market economy, legislation that is aligned with EU standards, the establishment of efficient and transparent administrative bodies, and a willingness to pursue unrestricted regional cooperation.

The precondition for Serbia to join the EU continues to be that relations with Kosovo are normalised and the process of reconciliation with the other countries of the former Yugoslavia continues.

Elections

Parliamentary elections were held early, in April 2016, and won by the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). Since 2014, it has governed in a coalition it has formed with the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS) and several smaller parties. In April 2017, then Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić was elected President. The office of Prime Minister was taken over by Ana Brnabić, former Minister of Public Administration and at the time a non-partisan politician. The elections in June 2020 were again won by the governing coalition. However, the elections were boycotted by large sections of the opposition because they felt they had been disadvantaged by partisan reporting and unfair voting conditions.

In April 2022, early presidential and parliamentary elections were held, along with local elections in Belgrade. President Vučić was re-elected with about 60 per cent of the vote. His opponent, Zdravko Ponoš, received about 19 per cent. While Vučić's party, the SNS, lost its absolute majority in parliament, it has been able to continue to govern the country together with partners.

Danger of setbacks

The government's interest in enhancing regional cooperation and its successful efforts to stabilise the fiscal situation are opening up new scope for government investment and making the environment for private investors more reliable. However, the dominating role of the governing party and the increasing concentration of power in the hands of the president are posing a number of risks. There is a danger that some of the progress made on democratisation may be undone, as the opposition is too weak to exercise effective parliamentary control. The media and the justice system are subject to government influence.