# Political developments in Serbia and Republika Srpska

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/political-developments-in-serbia-and-republika-srpska
> Updated: 2026-09-12T09:14:16.000Z. Sources: 30. Developments: 2.

Political activity in the Balkans has seen shifts in party endorsements and leadership rivalries. In Serbia, various city committees of the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS) have launched a campaign to endorse party leader Ivica Dačić for the presidency, with some local branches using the slogan “We are not traitors — with Ivica we are.” Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić noted that the identity of the ruling coalition's presidential candidate would be determined following parliamentary elections. Opposition leader Dragan Djilas has criticized Vučić, claiming that forming a coalition with the Serbian Radical Party signifies a “formal abandonment of the European path.” In response, SNS leader Miloš Vučević defended the move as necessary for national unity and stability against geopolitical pressures.

In Republika Srpska, tensions have emerged between Milorad Dodik, president of the SNSD, and Draško Stanivuković, leader of the Pokret Sigurna Srpska movement. During a campaign rally in Trebinje, Dodik expressed confidence in the victory of candidates Savo Minić and Željka Cvijanović, while also claiming that authorities in Sarajevo are blocking infrastructure projects in Trebinje, specifically mentioning a congress center and an airport.

Dodik previously claimed he had reached an agreement with Stanivuković to ensure the Banja Luka Mayor does not run for Prime Minister of Republika Srpska. Stanivuković has publicly rejected these claims, asserting that citizens will decide the outcome at the polls. Additionally, Democratic Front candidate Slaven Kovačević has campaigned against the potential pardon of Milorad Dodik and opposed any ethnic-based relocation of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina offices. Meanwhile, Željko Komšić has called for the unification of pro-Bosnian political forces to counter the influence of the HDZ and SNSD.

## Claims

- Slaven Kovačević stated that there will be no pardon for Milorad Dodik. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Slaven Kovačević opposed the relocation of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina offices based on ethnic lines. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Draško Stanivuković stated that the people do not forget political actions and cannot be deceived. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Milorad Dodik claimed he agreed with Draško Stanivuković that the mayor would not be a candidate for Prime Minister. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Dragan Djilas claimed Aleksandar Vučić has formally given up on Europe due to the coalition with the Serbian Radical Party. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Miloš Vučević stated that the gathering of patriotic forces on one list is a response to attempts to destabilize Serbia. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Milorad Dodik expressed confidence in the victory of Savo Minić and Željka Cvijanović. (single source)
- Dodik claimed that the construction of a congress center and airport in Trebinje is blocked in Sarajevo. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-12: Balkan political leaders intensify election rhetoric across the region

Political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro are intensifying campaign rhetoric, focusing on ethnic divisions, election outcomes, and regional stability ahead of upcoming votes.

29 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dejan-stankovi-celebrated-by-red-star-amid-spartak-moscow-critiques

### 2026-08-20: Serbian Socialist Party endorses Ivica Dačić for presidency

The Socialist Party of Serbia has endorsed Ivica Dačić for the presidency, while analysts weigh Aleksandar Vučić's influence on political dynamics in both Serbia and Montenegro.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbian-socialist-party-endorses-ivica-dai-for-presidency

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Cite as: Political developments in Serbia and Republika Srpska. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/political-developments-in-serbia-and-republika-srpska