BELGRADE – The political coalition Savez Monarhisti has formally appealed to the next Serbian cabinet to emulate Hungary’s recent decision to publish secret files from the communist period. In a press statement, the coalition’s co‑leader Vladimir Jelić argued that “without confronting the past, true democratic change is impossible” and urged the opening of archives belonging to the OZNE, UDBA and other former security agencies.

Jelić referenced the announcement made by Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Mađar, who pledged to release the dossiers of the “socialist dictatorship” as part of his party’s pre‑election promise. The Hungarian move, he said, demonstrates that “if Hungary can summon the courage to unveil its darkest chapters, Serbia must do the same.”

The monarchists contend that revealing the identities of those who spied on, denounced and persecuted citizens during the communist era would provide closure for the families of thousands of victims and serve as a prerequisite for national reconciliation. They point out that the issue has been on the Serbian political agenda since at least 2004, when former Serbian Renewal Movement leader Vuk Drašković submitted a bill to open the secret files, only for it to remain stalled in parliament.

Former State Security (SBPOK) inspector Predrag Simonović welcomed the idea in principle but questioned who in Serbia would be willing to “press the button” that could destabilise the political and economic elite. He warned that many officials might see their family histories rewritten, as “half of the political and economic elite could lose the pedigree that justified their current wealth.” Simonović also stressed that publishing the names of former collaborators would address only the historical dimension, adding that “the real challenge is dealing with the living institutions that continue to operate in a similar, politicised manner.”

In line with those concerns, Aleksandar Olenik, lawyer and vice‑president of the League of Social Democrats of Vojvodina (LSV), called not only for the declassification of all files dating from 1945 onward, but also for the complete dissolution of the current Security and Information Agency (BIA). Olenik argued that a new security service should be built from the ground up, tasked with protecting the constitutional order and citizens’ rights rather than pursuing political opponents.

The push to open the secret dossiers is also framed as a step toward meeting the European Union’s accession criteria, specifically the requirements outlined in the EU chapters on judiciary and fundamental rights (chapters 23 and 24). Although the condition has been on the table since 2000, progress has stalled, and the monarchists claim that genuine democratic consolidation cannot proceed without transparent reckoning of past abuses.

The coalition’s demand has drawn mixed reactions. While some opposition parties have voiced support for historical truth‑seeking, others remain hesitant, fearing political fallout. The government has not yet responded to the request, and it is unclear whether the upcoming administration will prioritize the issue amid other pressing reforms.

If Serbia moves forward with opening the communist‑era files and restructuring the BIA, the initiative could mark a significant shift in the country’s approach to transitional justice and its EU integration path. However, as Simonović cautioned, the process may also expose entrenched networks, prompting a broader debate about how the nation confronts its recent history while shaping its future.

Sources (learn more):

danas.rs — https://www.danas.rs/vesti/drustvo/vuk-draskovic-otvaranje-dosijea-bia/