What happened in the municipal elections in Serbia and how did the authorities react

The municipal elections in Serbia were overshadowed by violence and intimidation, according to a report by observers from the Council of Europe. They reported the presence of threatening groups and masked individuals at polling stations in ten localities, which raised concerns among international experts. Approximately 6,500 pseudo-observers accredited by authorities undermined the transparency of the electoral process. The vast majority of violent incidents targeted national observers and student-led protest movements, which reported direct threats, including the use of pepper spray against them. The Progressive Party of Serbia, led by Aleksandar Vucic, rejected the accusations and accused opponents of harassment, while the police arrested four individuals for assaults. This election is considered a major test for the government, taking place against the backdrop of tensions generated by the tragedy at the Novi Sad train station, where 16 people died in November 2024, an incident that sparked a wave of anti-corruption protests across the country.