Serbia’s Prime Minister Proposes Dissolving Parliament to Clear Way for Elections

Serbia’s prime minister has proposed dissolving parliament, bringing the country closer to an early election demanded for months by student protesters. Prime Minister Djuro Macut made the proposal during an extraordinary government session, asking President Aleksandar Vucic to dissolve the National Assembly and call a vote.

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I propose that the government, in accordance with the Constitution, ask the president to dissolve the National Assembly and call parliamentary elections.

Parliamentary elections were not due until December 2027. The early vote is now expected on Oct. 25, after repeated government promises that did not produce a date. Vucic has 72 hours to accept Macut’s proposal and dissolve parliament. He had previously indicated that he would act on Sept. 9 or Sept. 10, with elections to be held in October.

The student-led anti-graft movement began after a canopy collapsed at Novi Sad railway station on Nov. 1, 2024, killing 16 people. Protesters widely blamed entrenched corruption and initially demanded a transparent investigation. Students leading university blockades later expanded their demands to include snap elections and have pressed for them since May 2025.

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Serbia has faced protests, blockades, deep divisions, problems in education and heavy pressure on institutions.

Macut said Serbia had faced protests, blockades, deep divisions, problems in education and heavy pressure on institutions. He added that a responsible government could not ignore calls for an early parliamentary vote. Vucic, who has been in power since 2012, said in late June that he would leave the presidency before his term expires in April 2027 so he could campaign. His right-wing populist Serbian Progressive Party has since decided to ask him to head its electoral list and stand as its candidate for prime minister.

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A responsible government never ignores such demands.