FrontPages.EU

FrontPages.EU

Archives
Log in
Subscribe
October 18, 2026

Serbia: Betting shops offer odds on the election — FrontPages.eu, October 18, 2026

FRONTPAGES.EU

What's happening in Europe?

Serbia flag

Serbia

Sunday, October 18, 2026

💸 Payoffs

New allegations have emerged that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has allocated over 250,000 euros to diaspora groups that support the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). This comes as the EU Institute for Security Studies warns of a potential 'Georgian scenario' in the country, citing a heavy concentration of power in the hands of Aleksandar Vučić, the former President, who resigned in September 2026 to run for Prime Minister. The political landscape remains charged ahead of upcoming elections, with concerns over potential irregularities, including 'phantom voters' and a significant increase in ID card registrations. The opposition is undergoing a 'reset' following recent elections, while betting companies are now offering odds on election results, raising questions about whether this constitutes 'indecent' political marketing. Meanwhile, the editorial staff of Nova.rs continues to face pressures, with a complete retrospective of the 'United Media' case detailing events from Aleksandar Vučić's demand for a director's dismissal to the current protest. The ruling SNS party is also reportedly grappling with numerous scandals that could lead to the government's collapse even before elections.

Top Stories

A report by BIRN alleges that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has channeled over 250,000 euros to groups within the diaspora that are supportive of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). This raises questions about the use of public funds for political party promotion.

Vreme: BIRN: Ministry of Foreign Affairs pays diaspora groups supporting SNS

BIRN reports that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has allocated over 250,000 euros to groups from the diaspora that support the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).

The EU Institute for Security Studies has issued a warning about a potential 'Georgian scenario' in Serbia, highlighting the significant concentration of power in the hands of Aleksandar Vučić, the former President. This assessment comes amid broader concerns about democratic backsliding and the ruling party's influence.

Nova: 'Power is Concentrated in Vučić's Hands': EU Institute Warns of Georgian…

The EU Institute for Security Studies warns of a potential Georgian scenario in Serbia, stating that power is heavily concentrated in President Vučić's hands.

Vreme: Tonino Picula: Brussels decided to reassess stance on former Serbian president

Tonino Picula, a Member of the European Parliament for Croatia, stated that the European Commission's view of Vučić shifted after Ratko Mladić's funeral, and that Vučić faces significant uncertainty in the upcoming elections.

A comprehensive retrospective details the 'United Media' case, tracing events from Aleksandar Vučić's demand for a director's dismissal to the ongoing protests by Nova.rs journalists, underscoring persistent concerns about media freedom and editorial independence.

Nova: From Vučić's Request to Dismiss Director to Nova.rs' Protest: A Complete…

This story provides a full retrospective of the 'United Media' case, beginning with President Vučić's demand for the dismissal of a director and culminating in a protest by Nova.rs.

Nova: No Pasaran, Bre: R. Femic's Op-Ed for 'Vreme' on Pressures on Nova.rs

An opinion piece by R. Femić for 'Vreme' discusses the pressures faced by Nova.rs.

The ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) is reportedly embroiled in numerous scandals, with three major ones allegedly uncovered within a 72-hour period, potentially threatening the government's stability before upcoming elections. Campaign activities continue, with Aleksandar Vučić holding a rally in Novi Sad, drawing criticism for its tone regarding a past canopy collapse incident.

Nova: Because of This, the Government Could Fall Even Before Elections: SNS Breaking…

The ruling SNS party is reportedly facing numerous scandals, with three major ones revealed within 72 hours, potentially leading to the government's fall before elections.

Danas: Vučić's Novi Sad Rally: Pathetic Assumption That Victims Under Canopy Await…

Aleksandar Vučić, the former President, held a rally in Novi Sad, where a previous incident involving a canopy collapse occurred; the report criticizes the assumption that victims are waiting for his personal justice.

N1: Novi Sad Campaign on Wounds: Did Vučić Pardon Those Accused in the "Canopy"…

An investigation into the alleged pardon of individuals accused in the "Canopy" case in Novi Sad, questioning Aleksandar Vučić's involvement.

N1: From Political Choice to Family Conflict: Is Vučić Building an Emotional…

An analysis of Aleksandar Vučić's campaign strategy, exploring whether he is trying to connect with older voters on an emotional level.

Vreme: Political marketing 2026: What election campaigns say and show

The ruling party relies on fear, media control, and conflict with opponents, while a student movement attempts a different approach to political mobilization, questioning the effectiveness of old campaign models since 1990.

The political opposition is undergoing a 'reset' following recent elections, with discussions about future strategies. Meanwhile, concerns persist regarding electoral integrity, including the potential for 'phantom voters' and an increase in ID card registrations. Professor Vladisavljević emphasizes that the renewal of democracy, rather than ideological differences, is the key issue in the upcoming elections.

Danas: Opposition Scene Reset: What Follows the Elections?

The political opposition in Serbia is undergoing a reset following recent elections, with questions arising about the future direction and strategies of opposition parties.

N1: What Awaits Us at the Polling Stations: Will We Again Have Phantom Voters…

Concerns are raised about potential electoral irregularities in upcoming elections, including phantom voters and a significant increase in ID card registrations.

Insajder: Professor Vladisavljević: Democracy Renewal is Key in Elections, Not…

Professor Vladisavljević states that the core issue in elections is the renewal of democracy, and ideological differences are not decisive.

Social media is increasingly influencing election campaigns through political ads and narratives, with a SHARE Foundation analysis highlighting differing media presentations of voting abroad. Concurrently, betting companies are offering odds on election results, sparking debate over whether this constitutes 'indecent' political marketing or a genuine indicator of public sentiment.

N1: Betting and Elections in Serbia: "Indecent" Offer and "Political Marketing" or…

Betting companies are offering odds on election results, raising questions about whether this is "indecent" political marketing or a serious indicator of outcomes.

Insajder: How Social Media Shapes Election Campaigns: Political Ads, Narratives, and…

A SHARE Foundation analysis shows media presented voting abroad differently during the fourth week of the election campaign, with social media playing an increasing role in engaging citizens and targeting them with ads.

Marijana Cvetković, a producer, curator, and cultural activist, argues that removing the legacy of nationalism and clientelism from culture and institutions, which she states have polluted the sector under the current government, will be a challenging but necessary task for fostering a culture of community and mutual responsibility.

Vreme: Art cannot remain a social case

Marijana Cvetković states that removing the legacy of the current government, which includes nationalism and clientelism that have polluted culture and institutions, will be the hardest task, advocating for a culture of community, mutual responsibility, and solidarity.

Acting President Ana Brnabić announced her intention to submit a formal complaint to the European Parliament regarding the perceived lack of impartiality in its observation mission.

Insajder: Brnabić to Lodge Complaint with EP Over Mission's Lack of Impartiality

Prime Minister Ana Brnabić announced she will send a complaint to the European Parliament regarding the impartiality of their observation mission.

Authorities have determined that over 12,000 hectares of land were burned in Deliblatska Peščara, and a comprehensive plan for restoration is currently being developed by "Vojvodinašume."

Insajder: Extent of Damage in Deliblatska Peščara and Restoration Plan: Over 12,000…

"Vojvodinašume" has determined that over 12,000 hectares were burned in Deliblatska Peščara, and a plan for restoration is underway.

Russian entities have indicated their willingness to sell parts of NIS in Romania and Bulgaria, but have explicitly stated that they will not do so in Serbia, suggesting a strategic approach to their regional energy assets.

Nova: Russians Ready to Sell NIS Parts in Romania and Bulgaria, But Not in Serbia…

Russian entities are prepared to sell parts of NIS in Romania and Bulgaria, but have indicated they will not do so in Serbia, suggesting a strategic withdrawal.

The Faculty of Philosophy in Niš reportedly faced repercussions for adhering to legal regulations, with the alleged reason being that it was not deemed 'Serbian enough' by the progressive party.

Nova: Not Serbian Enough for the Progressives' Taste: How the Faculty of Philosophy…

The Faculty of Philosophy in Niš allegedly faced punishment for adhering to legal regulations, with the reason cited as not being 'Serbian enough' by the progressive party.

View Serbia on frontpages.eu

Daily news summaries from Serbia

Part of the frontpages.eu European news digest

Follow us on Instagram · Facebook

frontpages.eu  ·  View Serbia  ·  Unsubscribe

Don't miss what's next. Subscribe to FrontPages.EU:
← Newer Sweden: Welfare homes closed without criminal evidence — FrontPages.eu, October 18, 2026 Older → Romania: Liberals vote to install their own opposition — FrontPages.eu, October 18, 2026
frontpages.eu
Powered by Buttondown, the easiest way to start and grow your newsletter.