Serbian media mogul Željko Mitrović has announced plans to cut approximately 1,000 jobs across his Pink Media Group, just days after President Aleksandar Vučić‘s party lost Serbia’s parliamentary election. The company has already dismissed 150 employees from Belgrade’s Theatre Odeon.
Mitrović announced the layoffs on October 29 through a social media post. He described the decision as one of the most difficult moments of his life.
The businessman said the restructuring would affect around ten companies within his business network.
The announcement comes during a period of major political change in Serbia.
Theatre Odeon Employees Among First to Lose Jobs
Mitrović confirmed that he had dismissed the entire ensemble of Theatre Odeon, leaving approximately 150 people without work.
He also indicated that more layoffs would follow across companies that had not yet achieved financial stability.
Theatre Odeon opened in Belgrade in September 2024, after Mitrović purchased the former cinema building in 2022.
The venue became one of his entertainment projects outside television.
Pink Media Group operates across several business sectors, including television, entertainment and production.
Mitrović owns TV Pink, one of Serbia’s most recognizable commercial television networks.
His latest announcement raises questions about the future of several businesses within the group.
However, the company has not published a detailed breakdown of the planned layoffs or identified every business that could be affected.
Announcement Follows Major Political Changes in Serbia
The timing has attracted attention because Mitrović has maintained close political ties with Aleksandar Vučić.
TV Pink has frequently supported Vučić and his Serbian Progressive Party.
The network has also faced criticism from opposition figures and media observers over its political coverage.
Mitrović announced the job cuts shortly after Serbia’s Student List defeated Vučić’s ruling party in the October 25 parliamentary election.
The student-led movement has called for greater transparency in public institutions and a review of government spending.
However, Mitrović has not directly attributed the layoffs to the election result.
His public statement focused on the financial performance of companies within his business network.
The planned reductions could affect approximately 1,000 workers if the restructuring proceeds as announced.
For now, 150 Theatre Odeon employees have lost their jobs, while the remaining cuts are still planned.
The announcement marks a significant development for one of Serbia’s most prominent media and entertainment businesses during the country’s political transition.
