The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, has dissolved the Parliament. Early elections are to follow on October 25.
The decision was made against the backdrop of a political crisis and anti-government protests that have been ongoing for nearly two years, reports IPN. The opposition and student organizations, the main organizers of the demonstrations, have repeatedly called for early elections, accusing the government of corruption and undermining democratic institutions.
Aleksandar Vučić, in his last presidential term, will run on the list of the Serbian Progressive Party, having been designated by the party as a candidate for the position of Prime Minister. He announced as early as June that he would resign from the position of head of state to participate in the parliamentary elections.
The protests in Serbia began in November 2024, following the collapse of the roof at the entrance to the Novi Sad train station, shortly after its inauguration. The tragedy resulted in 16 deaths and sparked outrage across the country: Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets, primarily mobilized by student movements. The demonstrations subsequently spread throughout Serbia.
The protesters accuse the authorities of corruption and demand accountability for the tragedy, while the government rejects the allegations and maintains that the investigation is proceeding.
According to Serbian press, the investigations initiated at that time led to the arrest of 13 people, including the former Minister of Transport from Serbia, Goran Vesic. In the end, only seven people were brought to trial, and the former dignitary escaped prosecution.