Serbia after Vucic: The winners are losing patience

Tagesschau (ARD)State / PublicProgressiveNov 5

Following the electoral victory of the Student List in Serbia, the country's media regulatory body, REM, has imposed penalties against two television channels identified as propagandistic outlets for Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic. Interim President Ana Brnabic protested outside the regulator's headquarters, accusing the new administration of suppressing freedom of speech and labeling the actions as terrorism by the student movement. The article notes that Brnabic served in high-ranking positions under Vucic for nearly a decade and helped consolidate his control over over 90 percent of Serbian media. One of the sanctioned figures, Dragan Vucicevic, owner of the channel Informer, appeared before the regulator to defend his programming, which includes conspiracy theories and derogatory labels for student protesters. The piece highlights that while REM was previously viewed as lacking independence under Vucic's rule, it is now taking action against state-aligned media.

Bias read (Progressive): The article uses pejorative terms like 'authoritarian' and 'propaganda machine,' frames the sanctions as a positive shift toward democracy, and omits counterarguments regarding the regulator's sudden change in stance.

Deutsche Welle (English)State / PublicProgressiveOct 31

Following Aleksandar Vucic's loss in the October 25 parliamentary elections to the Student List, tensions have risen in Serbia as the outgoing leader accuses the new coalition of practicing revolutionary terror. Vucic cited the dismissal of senior staff at the state broadcaster RTS and protests at the Informer TV station as evidence of intimidation, while loyalist tabloids have shifted their rhetoric away from labeling opposition members as terrorists. The Student List, composed of academics and activists, secured 53% of the vote compared to Vucic's 39%, triggering peaceful removals of his portraits from public buildings and new investigations into electoral fraud and organized crime links. These developments follow the 2024 Novi Sad railway station collapse, which killed sixteen people and served as a catalyst for the anti-government movement due to suspected corruption. Despite these shifts, the new parliament has not yet convened, leading to public impatience as the former ruling party retains significant institutional influence.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames Vucic's actions as authoritarian and validates the opposition's legitimacy through expert quotes describing the previous regime as oppressive, while minimizing the severity of the protests mentioned.

Tagesschau (ARD)State / PublicProgressiveOct 31

One week after the student movement secured a historic electoral victory against long-time leader Aleksandar Vucic in Serbia, activists report that the former regime's influence persists within state institutions. The article highlights the case of Lazar Zajovic, a 21-year-old protester who faces trial in Novi Sad for alleged rioting during demonstrations that began after a station roof collapse killed 16 people in late 2024. His lawyer describes the charges as politically motivated intimidation, noting that similar cases involve many students facing legal action despite the change in government. Experts argue that dismantling the authoritarian structures embedded in the judiciary, police, and administration over nearly 14 years will be a significant challenge for the new leadership.

Bias read (Progressive): The piece frames the ongoing prosecutions as 'intimidation' and 'political persecution,' relies heavily on activist and critical expert voices, and uses terms like 'authoritarian system' and 'regime' to characterize the previous government.

Deutsche Welle (Deutsch)State / PublicCenterOct 30

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic lost the parliamentary election on October 25, 2026, to a coalition led by students, professors, and activists who secured 53 percent of the vote compared to his Serbian Progressive Party's 39 percent. Following the defeat, Vucic accused the new leaders of exercising 'revolutionary terror,' citing the immediate dismissal of public broadcaster executives and a small group's intrusion into the Informer TV station. The article notes that pro-Vucic tabloids have begun softening their rhetoric, while citizens continue to remove his portraits from municipal buildings. Investigations into alleged electoral manipulation and organized crime connections are underway, driven partly by public anger over the 2024 Novi Sad railway canopy collapse that killed 16 people due to corruption. Experts describe the current atmosphere as one of civic impatience within a power vacuum, as the old ruling party still holds significant institutional levers despite losing the mandate.

Bias read (Center): The piece presents a balanced overview by contrasting Vucic's accusations of 'terror' against the student-led government with independent evidence of past corruption, media control, and ongoing judicial investigations.