Serbian President Vucic dissolves parliament to trigger early election

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has dissolved parliament and announced early elections for October 25, according to observers who suggest this is an attempt to strengthen his hold on power. On Wednesday, Vučić issued the dissolution by decree, following his government's recommendation. While parliamentary elections in Serbia usually occur every four years, the two most recent ones were brought forward at Vučić's request.

Vučić's term is set to conclude next year, and as he has completed two terms, he is ineligible to run for re-election.

Since assuming office, Vučić has faced domestic political pressure following the collapse of a railway station canopy in the northern town of Novi Sad in November 2024, which resulted in 16 fatalities. In response to the disaster, numerous mass rallies have emerged, largely driven by students. These demonstrators hold the government responsible for corruption and negligence, demanding Vučić's resignation. In attributing some of the tensions to foreign powers, Vučić claims they have sown "unrest and a divided society."