Serbs head to snap vote, testing strongman president's rule

Serbia's prime minister called for the dissolution of parliament, paving the way for a snap election that may enable embattled President Aleksandar Vucic to switch to the role of premier. The government 'accepts that part of the public is demanding early elections,' Djuro Macut told reporters Monday, refering to calls from opposition supporters and anti-government protests led by university students that have been happening for nearly two years. Vucic is likely to heed the prime minister's request, disband the assembly and set the election date, probably for Oct. 25, more than a year ahead of schedule. The president has said he would cut short his second and last legally possible mandate as head of state, which expires in May, to pivot back to the post of prime minister. Polls suggest a tight race, with some predicting defeat for Vucic by a student-led anti-corruption movement at the ballot box for the first time in 12 years. The student-led movement gained visibility and traction through mass rallies that channeled public outrage over alleged corruption, nepotism and incompetence in the ruling elite centered around the ruling party. The catalyst came in 2024 when the canopy of a refurbished train station collapsed, leaving 16 dead. A recent convention by Vucic's Progressive Party has confirmed that he would be nominated for the job of premier if the party prevails in the ballot. Vucic pledged to streamline the cabinet to 12 from 30 ministers at present. ©2026 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.