Analyst: SPS supporting Vučić again could spell its end

Political analyst Zoran Lutovac warned that the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS) could face its definitive end or a deep internal split if it once again openly supports President Aleksandar Vučić.

“

If the SPS again openly supports the current president of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, it could be its definitive end or a deep division between those who want to save the party and those who want to save positions and privileges.

Lutovac commented on the SPS's announcement that it would run independently in the upcoming elections. He told the newspaper Danas that if this decision is genuine and not a facade, it would restore self-respect to many officials and members who have been "humiliated for years" by the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). It would also appeal to a large majority of SPS supporters who "cannot stand" the SNS.

“

Independent participation of the SPS in the elections can be either agreed with Vučić, or a last attempt to save the SPS as a party.

However, Lutovac outlined two possible scenarios for the SPS's independent run. It could be a pre-arranged deal with Vučić, designed to combine their votes and mandates. Alternatively, it could be a last-ditch effort to save the SPS as a party. He noted that a deal with Vučić carries risks for the president, as the SPS's allegiance in a close election would be uncertain. Furthermore, an independent SPS might fail to cross the electoral threshold or could siphon crucial votes from the SNS with a "pro-Russian campaign."

“

If it is an agreement with Vučić, it is done so that they have a larger number of votes and mandates in total.