Serbia to hold early parliamentary elections in October

Serbia is set to hold early parliamentary elections in October, a move announced by President Aleksandar Vučić amidst a period of significant political unrest. The snap elections, which were originally scheduled for late 2027, will now take place on either October 18 or 25, according to the president's statement to public broadcaster RTS.

This decision follows a sustained wave of anti-government protests that have gripped Serbia since late 2024. The demonstrations were initially sparked by a tragic collapse at the Novi Sad train station in November 2024, which resulted in 16 fatalities. Protesters, including students and citizens, have been calling for early elections as a primary demand, citing widespread discontent with the government and alleged political corruption.

President Vučić, leader of the nationalist Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), had previously indicated his willingness to resign to facilitate new elections. He had reiterated this intention, which would also encompass advancing the presidential elections, during public rallies earlier in the year. While the current parliament was formed in February 2024 following the December 2023 elections, the escalating protests appear to have prompted the government to move forward with the electoral process.