The German press, when writing about the possibility of holding summer parliamentary elections, presents them as a chance for Aleksandar Vučić to remain in power, says Deutsche Welle (DW) journalist Srećko Matić. Speaking about Serbia’s relations with China, Matić points out that the German press emphasises that “Serbia is a Chinese vassal.”
In recent days, various German media outlets have been analysing political developments in Serbia, with assessments that the possible calling of elections during the summer would represent a “perversion of democracy,” according to the DW journalist.
As highlighted in the German press, elections are meant to demonstrate the level of public trust in those in power, whereas in Serbia they serve a different purpose.
“The German press interprets elections as an opportunity for the current government, President Aleksandar Vučić, to remain in power, to consolidate authority, and possibly become prime minister,” Matić notes.
The analyses also mention “mixed methods” that could be used by the authorities to secure electoral support – ranging from voter pressure and vote-buying to claims of deceased people voting.
Particular attention, Matić says, is given by German media to the signals sent by President Vučić and officials of his party to the international public.
“One interesting commentary was published in Süddeutsche Zeitung – interpreting those signals sent in all possible directions, comparing them to a horoscope: everyone can read into them what they believe to be true and fitting their own perspective. It is also suggested that these signals may indicate that President Vučić is no longer viewed as favourably and that the EU is ‘hitting Serbia with the tools’ that can hurt it most – namely money and the blocking of certain funds,” he explains.
Serbia-China relations have also come into focus in German analyses. Local media increasingly assess that China has become for Serbia what Russia previously was – a key foreign policy pillar and a factor of influence on regional developments. It is also noted that Belgrade, through its rapprochement with Beijing, is attempting to strengthen its political influence in Europe via a “roundabout route.”
In some commentaries, Serbia is even described as a “vassal state of China,” with reminders that Serbia ranks among the world’s leading countries in arms purchases relative to its size, while a significant portion of that weaponry, according to available data, comes precisely from China.
At the same time, rallies in support of Serbian students have been announced worldwide for 9 May. Gatherings will also be organised in Germany.
(N1, 08.05.2026)