After the landslide victory of the Students' List, Serbia's judiciary springs into life after years of stalled and unresolved cases and investigations

The incident involving the flight carrying Vulin, Bajatovic, and Popovic occurred just nine days after the student-backed list won a landslide victory over the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) in parliamentary elections, ending 14 years of political dominance by Aleksandar Vucic. Vulin, who has been under US sanctions since 2023 over "engaging in corrupt and destabilizing activities," claimed he was traveling to Moscow to discuss extending a gas agreement with Russia, though Bajatovic denied knowledge of such meetings.

Judicial developments unfold at remarkable speed

Since the election, Serbia's judiciary has begun operating at an unprecedented pace, with arrests, new criminal proceedings, and the reopening of previously unresolved cases. These developments strike at the foundations of the system built during the SNS years in power.

Allegations of vote-buying and high-level corruption

Prosecutors have launched investigations into suspected electoral manipulation, corruption, and abuse of public office. Four people were arrested on suspicion of vote-buying in Novi Sad, while six others were detained in Mali Zvornik for suspected illegal voter registration.

One of the most high-profile cases involves Davor Macura, owner of Alta Bank, suspected of illegally accessing the bank's vault and removing approximately €383 million. His arrest followed the National Bank's revocation of Alta Bank's license. Senior police officials and public company managers have also been arrested over suspected abuses.

Alleged destruction of documents

Reports emerged suggesting official documents may have been destroyed in state institutions after the election. Prosecutor General Zagorka Dolovac issued instructions to prevent destruction of official records, while the Students' List called on employees to report any such activities.

How high up will investigations reach?

Former President Vucic claimed he is not afraid of arrest and that no evidence of financial wrongdoing will be found against him. However, accountability extends beyond document signatures to include decision-makers and power brokers.

It would be tragic if the biggest players were prosecuted without sufficient evidence, warned Tanja Arsic. If things are rushed just to achieve a result, only for cases to end in acquittals, that would be even more disastrous.

The real test is yet to come

The success of these prosecutions will ultimately be measured by convictions and asset confiscations, not just arrests. Savovic and Arsic both emphasize the need for thorough investigations over speed.

Without fundamental changes in the judiciary, police and security structures, I see no possibility of a substantial and lasting transformation of society, Savovic stated. The real test will come in the courtroom, where verdicts will determine whether Serbia is breaking with its old system or merely replacing power brokers.