Serbia Endures Post-Election Upheaval as Russia and The West Vie for Influence

Serbia held a snap parliamentary election on December 17, causing political upheaval and highlighting the country’s current middle ground between Russia and the West.

The Details: Incumbent President Aleksandr Vukic’s Serbian Progressive Party remained in power as a result of the elections, but western observers called on Belgrade to investigate “irregularities” in the election. On Sunday, December 24, 38 protestors were detained when crowds broke glass and windows at the town hall and eight police officers sustained serious injuries. Monday, December 25, thousands gathered in front of the central election commission building in Belgrade to demonstrate again.

For Context: Serbia, which maintains close ties with Russia, applied to join the EU in 2009, but its application has since stalled. The country is one of several Eastern European countries like Hungary, Georgia, or Moldova that straddles the geopolitical middle ground between Russia and the West.

Key Quotes: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, said, "There are processes and attempts by third forces, including from abroad, to provoke such unrest in Belgrade. We have no doubt that the leadership of the republic will ensure the rule of law." EU commissioners Josep Borrell and Oliver Varhelyi, said on December 19, “We conclude with concern that the electoral process [in Serbia] requires tangible improvement and further reform. The proper functioning of Serbia’s democratic institutions is at the core of Serbia’s EU accession process.”

How The Media Covered It: As is common with international stories, the story was covered mostly by outlets from the Left and Center.