Russian President Vladimir Putin hopes that the re-election of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic will further intensify the partnership between the two countries.
“I believe that your actions as head of state will continue to promote the strengthening of the strategic partnership between our countries,” Putin wrote to Vucic today, according to the Kremlin. “It is undeniably in the interest of the fraternal peoples of Russia and Serbia.”
For years, Vucic walked a tightrope between rapprochement with the EU and loyalty to the Kremlin. He has consistently continued on this path since the beginning of the Russian military operation in Ukraine. At the UN, Belgrade condemned the offensive but refrained from any sanctions against Russia. Moscow enjoys great support for its course among the Serbian population.
Clear majority for Vucic
Vucic was re-elected yesterday with a clear majority and can continue to enjoy strong support in parliament. This stems from the results released today by the State Electoral Commission.
According to the information, Vucic won 58.9 percent of the votes, while his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) won 43.1 percent of the votes in the parliamentary elections held at the same time, occupying 120 of the 250 seats.
The results were based on a score of about 95 percent. The titleholder’s victory was already expected. Vucic had early parliamentary elections to consolidate his political power. His SNS has ruled Serbia since 2012.
The main opposition alliance “United for Victory of Serbia” came in second with 37 seats (13.4%), ahead of co-ruling Speaker of Parliament Ivica Dacic with 32 seats (11.6%).
Vucic announces resignation as party leader
Vucic missed the goal of an absolute majority for his party and will have to deal with a more colorful parliament in the future. The NADA coalition won 15 seats (5.4%) and the center-left Moramo (We Must) coalition reached parliament with 12 seats (4.5%). Two right-wing parties – Zavetnici and Dveri – each won ten seats and just under four percent, while five minority parties held 14 seats.
Vucic’s main challenger, Zdravko Ponos, was optimistic despite the clear defeat. The election was “the beginning of the end of Vucic’s rule,” Ponos said in the evening. Vucic had declared himself the winner on election night and referred to his own party’s accounts. He also announced his resignation as head of the SNS.