Serbian Progressive Party faces internal discipline issues in local branches

The Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) is facing internal challenges and a perceived loosening of discipline within its local branches, with public reports of "hiccups" emerging from numerous towns and cities across Serbia.

These issues range from the dissolution of local committees and the dismissal of party commissioners to instances of "inadequate" voting by local councilors in city assemblies. Political scientist Aleksandar Ivković suggests that such developments are a logical outcome when a single political option remains in power for an extended duration. Local councilors, however, note that while these internal struggles may benefit political opponents, they do not necessarily serve the interests of the citizens in those areas.

Historically, the SNS has undergone internal changes, including ministerial rotations and local adjustments. However, since the summer of 2025, "hiccups" within the ruling party have become more pronounced. Media reports indicate that the SNS central office has dissolved or dismissed officials in several locations, including Bor, Sokobanja, Knjaževac, Vranje, Šid, and Novi Pazar, with similar changes anticipated in Majdanpek and Boljevac.

Furthermore, an SNS councilor in Kragujevac reportedly joined the opposition due to perceived "party attacks" on the student movement. In Užice, local councilors have described the formation of a "triumvirate" and ongoing "disciplining" of local SNS members. Instances of "inadequate" voting by local SNS councilors in Kula and Valjevo, resulting in insufficient votes for ruling party candidates, have also been reported, leading to repeat votes with different outcomes.