Serbian Democratic Party faces internal crisis over Bijeljina leadership

Internal conflict within the Serbian Democratic Party (SDS) is intensifying following an electoral defeat and the expulsion of Bijeljina Mayor Ljubiša Petrović. Five local councilors from Bijeljina—Tatjana Pantić, Ilija Radić, Radislav Borovčanin, Branimir Vuković, and Slavko Jović—have publicly defended Petrović and criticized party president Branko Blanuša.

The councilors disputed Blanuša’s claims regarding the management of the Bijeljina City Committee, arguing that responsibility for the poor election results lies with those who compiled the candidate lists rather than Petrović. They warned that the ongoing disputes could jeopardize the party’s long-term standing in the Semberija region.

Adding to the tension, SDS Presidency member Aleksandra Pandurević called for the reversal of Petrović’s expulsion, warning that the party faces potential destruction if leadership does not address recent political errors. Pandurević criticized Blanuša for his handling of the party’s positioning and accused him of refusing to take responsibility for the recent electoral failure.