Serbian opposition needs unity to win, says sociologist

A united opposition and student candidate in Serbia would triumph over any candidate from the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), according to sociologist Ivan Živkov. He asserts that the majority of citizens oppose the current government, making a joint candidate a winning proposition.

Živkov advised opposition parties to emulate Montenegro's model, citing Jakov Milatović as an example of an ideal candidate. He described such a candidate as young, professional, with international career experience, some political background, and crucially, unburdened by past controversies. However, he cautioned that if the opposition remains fragmented, even a less appealing candidate from the ruling party could secure victory.

"The key is how the other side positions itself, not necessarily who the presidential candidate of the Serbian Progressive Party will be," Živkov stated, noting the current lack of agreement and even communication among opposition factions. He believes the presidential election presents the opposition's best chance for political change.

Živkov also commented on the possibility of early parliamentary elections, suggesting it would be a strategic move for the ruling party to secure a parliamentary majority. This success, he theorized, could then be leveraged to influence presidential elections, especially if the opposition is still reeling from parliamentary defeats and public disappointment over unfulfilled hopes for change.

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Ukoliko bi pobunjeni građani, studenti i opozicija imali zajedničkog kandidata, on bi pobedio bilo kog kandidata SNS-a, jer je većina građana protiv ove vlasti