Serbia - 47.26
110
A one-party state in the making
Serbia has never entirely been a democracy. A state firmly in Russia’s sphere of influence, optimistic 1990s-era attempts at democracy were largely quashed in the early 2000s. While Serbia’s regression from democracy has been both slower and less pronounced than Russia’s, it has still doubtless been happening. The Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) has been rapidly consolidating power and consistently works to undermine rival parties. The SNS has been largely successful in these efforts and now exerts near-absolute top-down control over the entire Serbian government. The SNS has been expanding Serbia’s surveillance state and concentrating media ownership. Corruption remains endemic in Serbia, which is one of the most corrupt nations in Europe. Serbia’s continued claim to the nation of Kosovo was also concerning, as the two countries continue to clash. Most recently, the two countries came into tension with one another over the recognition of Kosovar license plates in Serbia and vice versa. Serbia’s future in Europe, especially as Russia grows increasingly belligerent, is concerning.
Human Rights - 53
Serbia has fully abolished the death penalty. Detainees were regularly beaten before or during their arrest. Police brutality was the norm and police had very high impunity. Torture was very common in Serbian detention and confessions obtained under duress were not thrown out of court. Detainees were often beaten or deprived of sleep for extended periods to coerce confessions. Serbian authorities were known for marathon interrogations nonstop over several days in order to maximize fatigue. Riot police often suppress demonstrations with excessive force. Peaceful demonstrators were often arbitrarily detained or beaten with batons. Police also regularly used tear gas on peaceful protests. Investigations into police misconduct are regularly conducted but investigators consistently side with the police. Serbian authorities have repeatedly denied the existence of systemic police brutality within Serbia. Prisons were slightly overcrowded throughout the year. Detainees were often subject to lengthy pre-trial detention times. The Serbian government maintains an extensive surveillance network, which has been significantly expanded in recent years by the SNS. Most government critics are under surveillance by the government and foreign journalists are closely monitored while in Serbia. The government regularly abuses libel suits to silence journalists. Trans Serbians cannot serve openly. Same-sex marriage is constitutionally banned and Serbia does not recognize same-sex relationships or joint adoption. Abortion is legal to twelve weeks with parental authorization when applicable.
Democracy - 33
The president is directly elected and the prime minister is chosen by parliament. During Prime Minister Vučić’s presidential campaign, Vučić remained in office and was accused of misusing his power as prime minister to further his presidential campaign. The national assembly is elected through proportional representation. Serbia has virtually no legislation regarding campaign finance whatsoever. The SNS regularly misappropriates public funds for their campaigns. Voter rolls are opaque and poorly managed as voters are sometimes seemingly randomly disqualified. The February 2020 government introduced a 40% gender representation quota and lowered the threshold to participate in elections. The SNS consistently works to undermine rival parties, frequently changing electoral laws shortly before elections and calling snap elections whenever polling well. The SNS is approaching top-down one-party control as the SNS controls all but seven towns in the entirety of Serbia.
Freedom - 46
The Serbian government maintains an extensive surveillance network, as most government critics are under government surveillance. Foreign journalists are closely monitored while in Serbia. The government regularly abuses libel suits to silence journalists. Serbian media ownership is highly concentrated. Elites close to the SNS own most Serbian media and they regularly carry out smear campaigns against political opposition through these outlets. Crime and Corruption Reporting Network (KRIK) journalists received death threats and harassment after accusing President Vučić of having ties to organized crime. Opposition candidates regularly face harassment from the SNS and their supporters. Riot police often suppressed demonstrations with excessive force. Peaceful protestors were often arbitrarily detained and beaten with batons, and police often employed tear gas against peaceful protestors. All drugs are illegal in Serbia. Serbia shall issue gun ownership licenses for semi-automatic rifles and handguns, but proof of threat to life is required for a self-defense permit.
Economy - 61
Health - 72
Serbia has a life expectancy of 77 years and an infant mortality rate of 0.4%. 21.5% of Serbs are obese and 5.7% are malnourished. Serbia’s universal healthcare system provides all Serbs with generally high-quality care for free. 97.9% of Serbs have access to clean, running water. 40.6% of adult Serbs smoke regularly.
Corruption - 21
Judicial verdicts are bought and sold. Police extortion is very common, especially at road checkpoints. Public services often must be bribed into action. Titles and deeds are impossible to obtain without corruption. The Serbian tax administration is highly corrupt. Tax fraud is very easy to commit in Serbia and the Serbian tax administration frequently extorts bribes. Customs extortion is rampant. Public contracts are impossible to obtain without corruption.
Competency - 52
The government is failing to manage elections and voter rolls. Corruption remains rampant throughout the country and is present at one of the highest levels in all of Europe. Serbia claims the de facto nation of Kosovo, which in practice is not under the jurisdiction of Serbia. Serbia received a ten-point penalty for large areas of its de jure territory falling under the control of a third party.
Future - 39
The Serbian economy is one of the fastest-growing in Europe The Serbian economy took a minor hit due to COVID but will likely recover quickly. The SNS has been rapidly consolidating power and is close to establishing a one-party state.
Actions Abroad - 36
Serbia is generally regarded as Russia’s main outlet in Southern Europe and maintains very close relations with Russia. Serbia also maintains very close relations with China. Serbia maintains relatively close relations with North Korea and Venezuela. Serbia’s foreign relations are primarily based around the recognition of Kosovo. Serbia received a ten-point penalty for a claim to a de facto nation.
6% of Serbs live below the international poverty line and 24.7% live below the national poverty line. 9.08% of Serbs are unemployed. Serbia has a low economic disparity. The minimum wage in Serbia is $373 per month. Serbia has a strong universal healthcare system, providing all Serbs with access to generally high-quality care for free. The Serbian economy shrunk 1% in 2020 and grew 4.2% in 2019.