By Karim Hammam
Serbia is facing a cascade of detentions, resignations, and investigations after former strongman Aleksandar Vucic suffered a stunning electoral defeat on Oct. 25, when a student-led movement known as The Students' List won an early parliamentary ballot.
Vucic Defiant Amid Defeat
Despite the loss, Vucic — now cast as opposition leader — has maintained daily appearances on loyal media, accusing the student movement of “revolutionary terror” and vowing to fight back. He told Pink television on Sunday that he is ready for anything and denied any criminal links, saying he does not sign documents and that no evidence will be found against him.
Officials Detained in Corruption Probes
Authorities have detained Vucic's chief of criminal police, Marko Kricak, and another senior police official on suspicion of abuse of office linked to a high-profile murder investigation. Kricak had previously faced accusations of threatening a female student during anti-government protests. On Monday, Davor Macura, owner of the private Alta Bank believed to be tied to Vucic's Serbian Progressive Party, was detained after allegedly attempting to siphon millions of dollars; his bank's license has been revoked.
Prosecutors Urged to Act or Resign
The election winners have called on prosecutors and judges to begin pursuing long-stalled corruption cases or step down. Among the unresolved probes is an investigation into a Nov. 1, 2024, train station tragedy that sparked two years of anti-graft demonstrations. The student movement has vowed that no officials will remain untouchable.
New Complaints Pile Up
Prosecutors are now swamped with fresh complaints ranging from suspected election fraud to threats against protesters, journalists, and activists. Organized crime prosecutors have also launched inquiries into whether some officials were placed under illegal surveillance by the state security agency. Lawyer Ivan Ninic alleged a “criminal conspiracy” involving a justice ministry official and over three dozen prison wardens who allegedly pressured or bribed inmates to vote for Vucic's party. In Mali Zvornik, near the Bosnian border, six people were detained for allegedly issuing false residence papers to Bosnian citizens so they could vote for Vucic's party.
Media Landscape Shifts
Several mainstream outlets that served as Vucic's propaganda machinery have abruptly adopted a more neutral stance, while some television channels canceled programs and owners reportedly fled the country. State broadcaster RTS overhauled its leadership and apologized for biased reporting, though Vucic loyalists such as Informer and Pink broadcasters continue to host the former leader daily.
Pressure Mounts for Local Elections
The parliamentary election did not cover local governments, but calls are growing for early municipal votes after Vucic's party lost control of Belgrade and most other towns. Employees in theaters, museums, schools, and hospitals are demanding the immediate resignation of managers appointed by the Serbian Progressive Party.
School Principal Accused of Destroying Documents
In Belgrade, Fifth High School principal Ognjen Mrvaljevic denied throwing away relevant school documentation after students retrieved papers from garbage bins and called police. Analyst Slobodan Stupar said Vucic's party's “expiration date has passed” and predicted a domino-effect collapse.
