Serbia prepares for elections amid IMF praise for economic reforms

Serbia parliamentary elections OSCE election observation IMF economic transformation National Bank of Serbia Serbian economy

Serbia is preparing for extraordinary parliamentary elections on October 25, which will be monitored by several international delegations. The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is sending approximately 80 observers from 29 countries to assess the voting process, counting, and overall conduct. This mission, led by Federica Onori, will work alongside missions from ODIHR, the Council of Europe, and the European Parliament.

On the economic front, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has praised Serbia for an “exceptional economic transformation” driven by consistent reforms and independent economic policies. During meetings in Bangkok, IMF Director Mateus Ščurek noted Serbia’s positive reputation among investors. The National Bank of Serbia reported that inflation is expected to remain within target at 3.2% this year, with foreign exchange reserves covering approximately seven months of imports.

Political figures, including Zdravko Ponoš of the Serbia Center party, have emphasized the urgency of the country’s European Union accession process, arguing that Serbia has already been delayed for a quarter-century. Meanwhile, IMF projections suggest a shift in regional economic rankings, with Serbia expected to surpass Croatia in GDP size by 2029.

Entities

Aleksandar Vučić · European Serbia · European Union · Federica Onori · International Monetary Fund · Mateus Ščurek · National Bank of Serbia · OSCE Parliamentary Assembly · Serbia Center · Zdravko Ponoš

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The Srce party emphasized that EU membership is vital for combating organized crime and participating in European security mechanisms.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Serbia has not opened any new chapters in EU accession negotiations during the last five years.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Research indicates that nearly one in four people are undecided voters.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Ivica Dačić, leader of the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS), stated his coalition is facing attacks from all sides during the campaign.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The IT Blokada association launched the 'Plus jedan' campaign to increase voter turnout for the October 25 parliamentary elections.
[● 2 SOURCES] The parliamentary elections are scheduled for October 25.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Miloš Jovanović of the 'Autentična desnica' coalition promised to ensure full pensions for workers with 40 years of service upon reaching age 65.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The 'Serbia European' list, including parties led by Dragan Gjilas and Zdravko Ponoshit, has made EU membership the center of its campaign.
[● 2 SOURCES] Serbia has been lagging in the EU accession process for 25 years. n1info.rs · www.dan.co.me
[● 2 SOURCES] Re-evaluating the EU accession process will cause further delays. n1info.rs · www.dan.co.me
[● 2 SOURCES] The European Serbia list is the only relevant political actor in the elections advocating for EU membership. n1info.rs · www.dan.co.me