Jasmina Vojinović discusses the atmosphere in Smederevo following the elections, the intrusion into her office, pressure and threats, and why she refuses to resign.
Jasmina Vojinović has served as mayor of Smederevo since February 2024. Before taking office, she was president of the city’s Provisional Authority, a member of the City Council and an adviser to the mayor. Since March 2023, she has also headed the Smederevo City Board of the Serbian Progressive Party.
During her tenure, major infrastructure investments have been initiated, ranging from a 4.9 billion dinar program to renovate more than 400 urban and rural streets to the construction of a sewer network and the expansion of kindergarten capacity.
Unfortunately, the immediate reason for this interview is an incident that took place on October 30, 2026, when a group of people entered her office and demanded her resignation.
She firmly rejected the demand, reminding those present that parliamentary elections, not local elections, had been held. In doing so, she pointed to what she described as a failure by those who attempted to seize power in Smederevo through violence to understand even the basic distinction between elections for national and city government.
The determination with which she resisted the pressure demonstrates her exceptional courage and willingness to stand firm despite attempts at intimidation.
1. What is the atmosphere in Smederevo following the elections? Do residents feel safe?
Following the excitement that marked election night, concern among residents began to grow as the days passed. People have noticeably become more withdrawn, cafés are less crowded, and lines at markets and stores have become shorter. There is a sense of uncertainty because any change, particularly one like this, naturally raises questions and concerns about what lies ahead.
There is particular concern about job security, given that we have seen factories close in certain parts of the country. Smederevo is home to HBIS, a company of exceptional importance to our city and its economy, and it would be catastrophic if its continued operation and the security of its employees were called into question, even for a moment. I believe what residents need most today is stability, security and a clear outlook for the future.
2. Were there any threats or warnings before the group entered your office? Did you suspect something like this might happen?
They had announced that they were coming, but I was not afraid, nor did I have any reason to retreat. At that moment, I was at my workplace, carrying out my regular duties as mayor. Until local elections are held, I am the mayor of Smederevo, and I will continue performing my duties in accordance with the law and the responsibilities I have undertaken, always in the interests of the people of Smederevo.
3. Did you recognize the people who were in your office? Do you know whether they are from Smederevo, and whether or how they are connected to the Student List?
I know all of them because they are all from Smederevo. They introduced themselves as representatives of the student list and referred to the election results, presenting themselves as people who believed they had won the elections. That was how they identified themselves and explained their presence in my office.
4. What was the decisive factor in your decision to stand up to the pressure and refuse the demand for your resignation?
The decisive factor is that, by nature, I am someone who does not give in to pressure. In situations like these, I respond firmly and do not abandon my positions or convictions. That is simply part of my character. I believe that the responsibility I have accepted cannot be abandoned because of pressure from anyone.
5. Apart from the desecration of your mother’s grave, have there been any other attempts to intimidate you or your family? Do you feel safe?
There have been no other attempts at intimidation. As for the desecration of my mother’s grave, what particularly disturbs me is the fact that the cemetery is located outside a populated area, meaning someone must have deliberately gone there to commit such an act. This is not something that could happen by accident. It was a monstrous act, one I can only describe as the act of a psychopath. It is truly difficult to understand how someone could resort to such an inhumane act, one that goes beyond every boundary of decency and humanity.
6. Do you expect those people to return and continue putting pressure on you?
I do not think about that, nor do I want to burden myself with it. My decision will not change. When local elections are called, I am prepared to accept the results. I believe that, considering everything that is happening and the current situation, residents will think carefully before deciding whom to place their trust in. Whatever that decision may be, I will accept it. That is the essence of the democratic process and the will of the people.
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