Belgrade, Serbia – On Saturday, the largest indoor arena in the capital swelled with thousands of flags and banners as Aleksandar Vucic officially kicked off his campaign to become prime minister. The rally, broadcast by dozens of Serbian channels, marked the culmination of a week‑long tour of towns and villages aimed at reinforcing Vucic’s popularity after months of anti‑government protests.
Background to the election
Vucic resigned as president on Sept. 27, ending his second term early by more than seven months. Constitutionally barred from seeking a third presidential term, he announced he would lead the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) into the parliamentary election scheduled for Oct. 25. If the SNS secures a majority of seats, the parliament is expected to elect Vucic as prime minister.
Opposition forces
The election is expected to be competitive. Polls suggest a close race between the SNS and a coalition of candidates fielded by a student‑led protest movement known as the Student List. The movement grew out of protests demanding accountability for the Nov. 1, 2024 train‑station canopy collapse in Novi Sad that killed 16 people. The Student List, composed of university professors, teachers, and experts across the political spectrum, aims to unseat Vucic’s government after 14 years in power.
Vucic’s campaign message
During his arena address, Vucic warned that foreign intelligence services were attempting to undermine Serbia, stating, “Absent an intervention of some (foreign intelligence) service, we will defeat them. And they know that.” He accused the protest movement of trying to “bring Serbia to a halt,” though he offered no evidence to support the claim.
International context
Serbia’s EU accession process has stalled under Vucic, who maintains close ties with Russia and China. European institutions have repeatedly warned of democratic backsliding, citing concerns about media freedom, police violence, arbitrary detentions, and threats against journalists. International observers have described previous Serbian elections as marred by irregularities and violence.
What’s next
The upcoming parliamentary vote will determine whether Vucic returns to the highest office in a different role or whether the Student List can translate street protests into legislative power. Voters will head to the polls on Oct. 25, and the outcome will shape Serbia’s domestic trajectory and its relationship with the European Union.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
