The Serbian Nationalist Party, spearheaded by Pavle Bihali, Miša Vacić, and Goran Davidović, has announced its intention to participate in the upcoming extraordinary parliamentary elections in Serbia, scheduled for October 25. This announcement was made during a television appearance on Informer, where the party leaders outlined their electoral strategy and objectives.
The party, which is still in the process of formal establishment, was first publicly announced in December 2024. Despite its nascent status, the leaders assert that they have developed a “serious program” and are committed to becoming a permanent fixture in Serbian politics. Their primary electoral goal is to combat what they describe as the “plague of blockers,” referring to internal opposition they claim to have historically opposed. They emphasize their role as “first fighters against blockers,” positioning themselves as longstanding opponents of certain factions within the political landscape.
Miša Vacić, one of the founders, highlighted that discussions regarding the party’s formation have been ongoing for nearly three and a half years. He stated that the party’s establishment is a deliberate process, reflecting their commitment to a substantial political agenda. The party plans to reveal more details about their electoral strategy at a press conference scheduled for the following week.
The founders of the Serbian Nationalist Party have a history of controversial political activities. Miša Vacić was a leader of the 1389 Movement and has been the president of the Serbian Right since 2018. He has also been listed on U.S. sanctions since 2023. Pavle Bihali leads the Levijatan organization, initially a movement for animal protection, which later became known for its political and anti-migrant stance. Goran Davidović, known as “Firer,” was the leader of the National Front, an organization banned by the Serbian Constitutional Court in 2011. Davidović has a criminal record, having been convicted for disrupting an anti-fascist event in 2005.
The party’s electoral ambitions are set against a backdrop of a fragmented political landscape in Serbia, where various nationalist movements have historically sought to gain traction. The founders’ past electoral experiences have been modest, with Vacić garnering 0.87% of the vote in the 2022 presidential elections and Bihali’s electoral list receiving 0.25% in the same year’s parliamentary elections.
The Serbian Nationalist Party’s entry into the elections raises questions about its potential influence and voter support. As a new entity, its impact on the political dynamics remains uncertain, particularly in a landscape marked by diverse political affiliations and movements. The party’s leaders have expressed a desire to collaborate with what they describe as the “vigilant part of the government” to maintain peace and stability, despite being part of the non-parliamentary opposition.
The upcoming elections will test the party’s ability to resonate with the electorate and establish a foothold in the Serbian parliament. Their anti-blockade stance and claims of historical opposition to certain political factions may appeal to voters seeking alternatives to established parties. The reactions from established political entities and the broader electorate will be crucial in determining the party’s success and its role in shaping Serbia’s political future.
