This is so far the most serious sign that elections demanded due to prolonged protests will take place soon.
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“Parliamentary elections in Serbia will most likely take place on October 18 or October 25,” A. Vučić said to the national broadcaster RTS on Thursday evening.
“We will know in a few days,” he said, but did not provide further details.
A wave of protests swept Serbia in November 2024 after the roof of the train station collapsed in the northern city of Novi Sad, killing 16 people.
This tragedy became a symbol of alleged corruption in the country and triggered continuous demonstrations, mostly led by students demanding accountability and ultimately early elections.
According to independent counters, about 180,000 people participated in the last large rally held in Belgrade in May.
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Although regular elections should take place in December 2027, A. Vučić has repeatedly promised to hold early voting but avoided naming a date.
These protests are the largest since the overthrow of dictator Slobodan Milošević in 2000 and have become the biggest challenge to A. Vučić’s more than decade-long rule.
The 56-year-old leader, close to Moscow, recently announced that he will resign from the presidency once elections are announced. His party comrades hinted that in case of victory they would support his candidacy for prime minister, which would allow A. Vučić to remain the main figure of power in the country.
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