Aleksandar Vucic, the former president of Serbia, has officially commenced his campaign for the position of prime minister with a rally attended by thousands in Belgrade. The event took place at the capital’s largest indoor arena on Saturday, ahead of the parliamentary election scheduled for October 25.
During the appearance, which was broadcast across numerous Serbian television networks, Vucic promised a “comprehensive” win. His address concluded a week-long tour of towns and villages aimed at reinforcing his support base, which has faced scrutiny following nearly two years of sustained anti-government demonstrations.
Vucic, who has dominated Serbian political life since 2014 as either president or prime minister, is running on the ballot of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). Constitutional term limits prevented him from seeking a third presidential term, prompting his transition to the parliamentary race. If his party secures a majority, parliament is expected to appoint him as prime minister.
The upcoming vote is considered pivotal, with polls indicating a close contest between Vucic’s party and the Student List, the electoral wing of a youth-led protest movement. The snap election was announced prior to Vucic’s resignation as president on September 27, which ended his second term more than seven months early.
The opposition movement gained momentum demanding accountability for the November 1, 2024, collapse of a train station canopy in Novi Sad, an incident that killed 16 people. Their campaign against corruption has evolved into a nationwide political force comprising university professors, educators, and experts from various political backgrounds.
In response, Vucic accused the movement’s organizers of attempting to “bring Serbia to a halt.” He further alleged, without presenting evidence, that the group is supported by unspecified foreign intelligence services. Addressing his supporters on Saturday, he stated, “Absent an intervention of some [foreign intelligence] service, we will defeat them. And they know that.”
Dozens of buses transported supporters from across the country to the Belgrade Arena, where attendees waved Serbian flags and held banners featuring images of Vucic.
Accusations of foreign backing without evidence are tired tactics. Hope voters see through the fear-mongering this time.
I didn’t realize the opposition was largely student-led and academic. That’s a fascinating shift in Serbian politics!
The stadium full of buses screams organized mobilization, not organic enthusiasm. Hard to call this a fair fight.