FH: The situation in Serbia suffered deterioration

The report says that in recent years the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) has repeatedly eroded political rights and civil liberties, putting pressure on independent media, political opposition and civil society organisations.

Freedom House has raised as a concern, as it does, the personalisation of governance and the politicisation of state institutions by Serbian President Aleksandar Vuciq.

“Vukiqi has remained a dominant figure in the government despite limited executive competencies of the presidency under the Constitution, creating a de facto” presidential system, is estimated in the report.

Media freedom is reportedly endangered by both the threat of media and journalists, as well as political pressure, as well as by politically linked media owners.

The judiciary is said to be influenced by politics, in particular through judicial appointments, and many judges have reportedly faced external pressure over their decisions.