What does the Serbian political party SRCE actually stand for in today's landscape?

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Emerging from a split within the People's Party, Serbia Centre—known as SRCE—has rapidly carved out a centrist identity. Led by a former military commander, the group advocates for European integration, climate action, and systemic reform, positioning itself as a vocal opponent to the ruling Serbian Progressive Party's current governance.

Serbia Centre, or SRCE, was established in mid-2022 by Zdravko Ponoš, who previously directed the Serbian Armed Forces' General Staff. Following his second-place finish in the 2022 presidential race, Ponoš transitioned from the People's Party to build this new platform. The organization officially gained legal status as a political party in July 2023 after gathering the required 10,000 signatures.

The party operates on a centrist platform, though observers have noted a subtle shift toward the left since its inception. Its policy agenda is broad, focusing on European Union accession, pension reform, and increased child support. SRCE also emphasizes environmental responsibility, proposing detailed strategies to combat climate change and revitalize the domestic milk production sector. Furthermore, the party has taken firm stances on urban development, opposing the planned demolition of the Belgrade Fair.

Politically, SRCE has been a central player in various opposition coalitions, most notably the Serbia Against Violence alliance, which participated in the 2023 elections. While the party secured nine parliamentary seats initially, internal shifts saw this number drop to eight by May 2025. Throughout recent years, the party has consistently called for transitional governance to resolve crises stemming from student-led anti-corruption protests and broader social unrest, aiming to facilitate free and fair electoral processes.

Despite its focus on European integration, the party's rhetoric remains nuanced. While advocating for distance from Russian actions regarding the invasion of Ukraine, Ponoš has simultaneously criticized Ukraine for alleged attempts to draw NATO into the conflict. This complex positioning reflects the party's broader effort to navigate Serbia's polarized political environment while maintaining its identity as a distinct, reform-oriented alternative to the status quo.

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