Vucic Calls Snap Election in Serbia

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic dissolved parliament on Wednesday and called an early election for 25 October. He is seeking to extend his time in power by running for prime minister.

Vucic has served as president or prime minister for 12 years. For nearly two years, however, he has faced anti-corruption protests sparked by the collapse of a canopy at Novi Sad railway station in November 2024, which killed 16 people.

The president said early elections would not be necessary without the current tensions and political conflicts. He argued that further delays would jeopardize the “survival of democracy”. Regular parliamentary elections had originally been scheduled for next year.

During his tenure, Vucic has overseen a period of economic development, but has also faced growing discontent over perceived corruption and authoritarianism.

The ruling Serbian Progressive Party nominated him for prime minister on Saturday. It is not yet clear whether Vucic will step down from the presidency before or after the parliamentary election.

(Reuters, lud)