FT: Trump ally imitates Putin to stay in power in Serbia

In recent months, Serbia has become the focus of international attention due to growing unrest and political maneuvering under President Aleksandar Vučić. A report by The Financial Times highlights concerns over Vučić’s leadership style, describing him as a "56-year-old power broker who has ruled Serbia for the past 13 years in various capacities." The article notes that Vučić faces increasing public dissatisfaction, fueled by allegations of authoritarian tendencies, corruption, and slow economic progress. As one of the few remaining allies of former U.S. President Donald Trump in Central and Eastern Europe, Vučić has adopted rhetoric reminiscent of the MAGA movement, criticizing Brussels, independent media, and elites he claims have foreign backing. At the same time, he promotes conservative values such as family, Christianity, and opposition to gender politics.

Vučić's actions have drawn comparisons to Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to analysts cited in the report. This assessment comes amid speculation about whether Vučić might use the threat of early elections or resignations to gauge public sentiment and potentially avoid stepping down if the timing seems unfavorable. Helena Ivanov, a researcher at the Henry Jackson Society in London, noted that Vučić has previously hinted at holding snap elections in July, possibly running for prime minister again. She argues that Vučić appears to be pursuing a strategy similar to Putin’s, effectively bypassing constitutional limits on presidential powers in Serbia, which are largely ceremonial, while maintaining dominance through his ruling party, the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).

Vučić’s political maneuvers have also included supporting high-profile projects backed by Trump’s close associate, Jared Kushner. One such project was planned on the site of the former Yugoslav Ministry of Defense in Belgrade, a location bombed by NATO in 1999 and considered a national monument. However, this initiative faced backlash and was later withdrawn following public outrage and investigations into alleged irregularities, including claims that documents were falsified to remove protections for cultural heritage sites. These developments underscore the delicate balance between political ambition and public perception in Serbia.

Meanwhile, in Albania, tensions have reached a boiling point as protests continue against Prime Minister Edi Rama and his government. Demonstrators have been gathering daily near the parliament building in Tirana, expressing frustration over perceived corruption linked to coastal development projects and environmental degradation. The initial protest was sparked by plans to build a luxury tourist complex supported by Jared Kushner, but it has since expanded into broader opposition against multiple projects along the coastline.

Protesters clashed violently with police, resulting in injuries to three officers and one demonstrator. Reports indicate that demonstrators hurled eggs and flour at lawmakers and police, while authorities used water cannons, pepper spray, and tear gas to disperse crowds. The protests have taken on a more radical tone, with slogans such as “Time to Wake Up” and “One Nation, One Voice, One Future” echoing through the streets. Organizers announced plans for further demonstrations, signaling continued resistance against the government.

The protests represent a significant challenge for Rama, who has been in office since 2013. Critics accuse him of failing to combat widespread corruption and improve essential public services such as healthcare. In response, Rama claimed the protests had spiraled out of control, shifting from peaceful demonstrations to scenes of chaos, division, and violence. He posted on social media, lamenting the transformation of patriotic and clean protests into old-style conflict and disorder.

The situation in Albania has also raised concerns among European Union officials, particularly regarding potential financial implications. Kaia Kalas, a prominent figure, warned Bosnia and Herzegovina that it could lose up to a billion euros in EU funding if similar unrest spreads. This warning underscores the broader regional impact of these protests and their potential to disrupt stability across the Balkans.

As both Serbia and Albania grapple with internal challenges, the international community watches closely. In Serbia, Vučić continues to test the political landscape, balancing the demands of his base with the need to maintain stability. Meanwhile, in Albania, the protests reflect deep-seated frustrations with governance and the environment, pushing the country toward a critical juncture. What remains to be seen is how these leaders will navigate the pressures ahead and whether their strategies will lead to lasting change or further instability.