Andrej Ivanji, editor of the Vreme weekly news portal, sees two scenarios for resolving the current political crisis in Serbia – a pessimistic one and an optimistic one. According to him, independent media outlets N1 and Nova play a crucial role in both, because Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic is “pained” by our cameras on the streets.
Ivanji first explained the pessimistic scenario:
“There will be no elections until N1 and Nova are shut down. He (Vucic) needs total control over all electronic media. BC Partners likely accepts the offer on the table to impose new editors on N1 and Nova. The Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime (TOK) and (Supreme Prosecutor Zagorka) Dolovac give in to the pressure. The pressure grows so intense that they establish total control over the judiciary and the High Prosecutorial Council (VST). They have already changed the commanders of key units. One man controls everything and can do as he pleases. Meanwhile, the West remains silent due to certain backroom deals,” he explained.
Earlier this year, the investigative network OCCRP published a leaked recording of a conversation between United Group CEO Stan Miller and Telekom Srbija CEO Vladimir Lucic, in which they discuss the removal of United Media (UM) CEO Aleksandra Subotic and the gradual shutdown of UM media outlets, all at the request of President Vucic.
However, Ivanji also offered an optimistic scenario.
“It’s very simple – the exact opposite. Under pressure from the EU, BC Partners doesn’t dare follow through on what was promised. Nova and N1 remain, and those cameras on the streets remain a sore spot for the regime. The Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime resists the pressure, and new indictments are filed. Ultimately, this leads to a change of government,” the Vreme editor said.
He warned that Vucic’s promises regarding elections in 2026 should not be taken at face value, arguing that they will only take place if the conditions are favorable for the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
“Vucic has announced elections for the coming year, which begins in just a few days – whether they will be snap parliamentary, presidential, or a combination of both is up to the government. His promises mean nothing, if the conditions aren’t right for them, those elections simply won’t happen,” he emphasized.
Source: N1
