Serbia to Hold Snap Election in October

Serbia is set to hold snap parliamentary elections on October 18 or 25, President Aleksandar Vucic said. The exact date is expected to be announced in the coming days. The election had originally been scheduled for December 2027.

The decision follows more than a year of anti-government and anti-corruption protests led by students. The demonstrations began after the collapse of an awning at Novi Sad railway station in November 2024, which killed 16 people.

Vucic said in June that he would resign within weeks and that Serbia would hold early parliamentary and presidential elections, but he has yet to say when he will leave office.

Analysts say that if his Serbian Progressive Party wins the parliamentary election, Vucic could subsequently become prime minister. Serbia is seeking EU membership but also maintains close ties with Russia and China. Brussels has called on Belgrade to strengthen the rule of law, ensure conditions for free and fair elections and step up its fight against corruption and organized crime.

(Reuters, mja)