Following the local elections in Zaječar and Kosjerić held on June 8, a serious split has emerged within the opposition Democratic Party (DS). The party leader Srđan Milivojević decided that local branches would not participate in the elections, which sparked accusations within the party regarding the electoral failure. DS Vice President Miodrag Gavrilović publicly blamed Milivojević for the defeat of the opposition list in Kosjerić, stating that the boycott was a wrong decision and that active participation would have yielded a different result. On the other hand, representatives of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) emphasize that the elections were clean and that SNS’s victory was clear and decisive. Political analysts point to deep divisions in Serbian society and a decline in support for the opposition, while the SNS government shows resilience despite pressures and blockades. This situation highlights internal conflicts within the opposition and the challenges they face in their struggle against the ruling party.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets focus on the internal divisions and failures within the opposition, criticizing the leadership decisions such as the boycott of elections. They emphasize the need for a united and active opposition to challenge the ruling party and highlight the democratic deficit caused by the ruling party’s dominance.
Center: Centrist sources present a balanced view, reporting on the electoral results and the ensuing conflicts within the opposition without strong bias. They highlight the factual aspects of the election outcomes, the accusations exchanged, and the political implications for both the opposition and the ruling party.
Right: Right-leaning media emphasize the victory and legitimacy of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), portraying the opposition as disorganized and ineffective. They often dismiss opposition claims and highlight the resilience and popular support of the ruling party despite opposition protests and blockades.
