CINS: Ruling party officials conduct intensive tours across Serbia

Officials from Serbia's ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) have been conducting an extensive tour of the country, visiting around 140 towns and villages between April and mid-August. The Center for Investigative Journalism of Serbia (CINS) reported that these 160 visits involved SNS officials holding various government and parliamentary positions.

The "Serbia Wins" gatherings have been a frequent format for these tours, combining music, food, and speeches. CINS documented at least 95 such events, with state and party officials participating in at least 40 SNS-specific events. This intensive campaigning is occurring even though parliamentary elections have not yet been officially called, though President Aleksandar Vučić has indicated he expects them later this year.

Nemanja Nenadić, Program Director at Transparency Serbia, highlighted the problematic nature of these visits, stating that they include significant party promotion activities. "We can say that ministers abused their posts during those visits," he commented. While acknowledging that the gatherings are not illegal as party activities, Nenadić pointed to the lack of transparency regarding expenses, which will not be publicly disclosed until the SNS releases its annual financial report in April 2027. The Anti-Corruption Agency is expected to conclude its investigation into the matter in February 2028.

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We can say that ministers abused their posts during those visits.