Serbia's government asks president to dissolve parliament and call snap vote

Serbia Calls for Snap Parliamentary Election Following Student-Led Protests

Serbian Government Seeks Early Elections Amid Political Turmoil

Government's Request and President's Role

Sept 7 (Reuters) - Serbia's government on Monday asked President Aleksandar Vucic to dissolve parliament and set a date for a snap election, as Vucic looks to tighten his grip on Serbian politics after nearly two years of student-led protests and be elected prime minister.

Expected Election Timeline

Vucic is expected to set the date for parliamentary elections in the coming days. According to the constitution, between 45 and 60 days must be allowed for the campaign.

Prime Minister's Announcement

In announcing the call to dissolve parliament, Prime Minister Djuro Macut said: "If we want to mitigate tensions in society there is no better way than to ask people."

Background and Political Context

Original Election Schedule

The next parliamentary elections in Serbia were not due until December 2027. However, Vucic said a snap vote would be held earlier, on October 18 or 25.

Vucic's Political Strategy

This would allow Vucic, whose Serbian Progressive Party nominated him on Saturday to run for prime minister, to try to reassert his authority after the protests presented the biggest challenge to his rule.

Student-Led Protests and Their Impact

Vucic, who has run the country as ‌president or prime minister for 12 years, has faced anti-corruption demonstrations triggered by the collapse of a concrete canopy at a railway station in the northern city of Novi Sad in November 2024 that killed 16 people.

Allegations and Government Response

Opposition Accusations

The opposition and demonstrators accuse Vucic and his allies of violence against political opponents, rampant corruption, ties with organised crime and stifling media freedoms, all of which Vucic and his allies deny. 

Reporting Credits

(Reporting by Ivana Sekularac and Angeliki Koutantou; Editing by Hugh Lawson, Alexandra Hudson)