Simulation or Authentic Fight for Survival?

Ivica Dacic and Aleksandar Vucic (BetaPhoto/Milos Miskov)

Last week’s statement by Socialist Party of Serbia leader Ivica Dacic that the party will run independently in upcoming elections caused quite a stir in the ruling coalition. Even though Dacic immediately responded to the attacks by saying that the Socialist party wants to continue being in a coalition with the Serbian Progressive Party, there are numerous theories about his recent statements. At this time, it is difficult to assess whether this is a genuine attempt by the Socialists to pull out of the Progressives’ “firm grip” in a bid to survive as a party, or if it’s a simulation arranged between the leaderships of the two strongest ruling parties.