Serbian opposition leader: Ruling party rallies solidify base, don't win new votes

Large-scale rallies organized by Serbia's ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) are unlikely to win new votes and primarily serve to reinforce the party's existing support, according to Saša Paunović, president of the Democratic Party's (DS) executive board.

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They are celebrating, socializing, it's nice to be in their company, there are no worries, 'the people support them' who are 'gathering en masse'.

Paunović told the newspaper Danas that the SNS organizes these "tent celebrations" for propaganda purposes. He believes the party uses controlled media to falsely assure undecided voters and opponents that everything is fine within the SNS. "They are celebrating, socializing, it's nice to be in their company, there are no worries, 'the people support them' who are 'gathering en masse'," he said, suggesting this message might appeal to older, media-isolated citizens.

Another perceived goal of these events, according to Paunović, is to counter findings that the "SNS elite has become estranged from the people and lives a parallel life," a situation he sees as particularly evident at the local level. These celebrations, he argues, are an attempt to "bring their officials closer to the people."

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Another perceived goal of these events, according to Paunović, is to counter findings that the 'SNS elite has become estranged from the people and lives a parallel life,' a situation he sees as particularly evident at the local level. These celebrations, he argues, are an attempt to 'bring their officials closer to the people.'

Furthermore, Paunović stated that the rallies serve as a demonstration of power and involve the expenditure of "huge amounts of money," including the distribution of free food and drinks. "Everyone clearly sees what resources they have, which again has a propaganda effect on their target groups," he commented. He also asserted that the attendees are not genuine members of the public but rather SNS officials and publicly employed individuals, often temporarily hired. "There are also citizens who somehow 'owe' the SNS," he added, noting that photos from these events often show attendees from multiple neighboring municipalities.

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Furthermore, Paunović stated that the rallies serve as a demonstration of power and involve the expenditure of 'huge amounts of money,' including the distribution of free food and drinks. 'Everyone clearly sees what resources they have, which again has a propaganda effect on their target groups,' he commented.