Serbian President Vucic: If a New Government Is Not Formed, Elections Will Be Announced
Serbian President Vucic: If a New Government Is Not Formed, Elections Will Be Announced
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stated that following Prime Minister Milos Vucevic’s decision to resign, he would call all parties for consultations, and if a new government is not formed, elections will be announced.
An extraordinary government meeting was held at the Palace of Serbia in Belgrade under Vucic’s leadership, with the participation of Vucevic, who has decided to resign, as well as ministers and other officials.
Following the meeting, Vucic announced that after Vucevic’s resignation is accepted by parliament, he will gather all parties to discuss forming a new government.
Emphasizing that he will not delay the government formation process, Vucic stated:
"If a new government is not formed, elections will be announced. There will be no interim government. The most significant developments will take place within the Serbian Progressive Party. Serbia is in a difficult situation, facing immense external pressure. Our stability and social peace are under threat. Within the next 10 days, we will decide whether to proceed with elections or form a new government. The government will continue making decisions in its technical mandate. We can hold elections within 75 days, with the most likely date being April."
Vucic stressed that the Serbian people want "normal and trustworthy leaders." He added, "I do not trust politicians who organize groups to target their political opponents. The state can be patient, but that does not mean we will allow these individuals to ruin people's lives."
Vucic also announced that he would use his presidential authority to grant amnesty to 13 individuals who were arrested during protests against the government following a deadly train station accident in Novi Sad.
Resignations Following Vucevic’s Decision
Following Vucevic’s resignation, Novi Sad Mayor Milan Duric also stepped down from his position.
Protests Against the Government Erupt After Fatal Train Station Incident
On November 1, 2024, a concrete canopy collapsed at the Novi Sad train station, resulting in the deaths of 15 people. In response, students across the country launched protests under the slogan "Stop Serbia."
Thousands of university, college, and high school students recently staged a 24-hour road-blocking protest at Autokomanda, one of Belgrade’s key traffic hubs.
The students demanded accountability for those responsible for the fatal accident, the publication of all documents related to the construction and renovation of the station, and the release of students and academics detained during previous protests.
During a speech last night while the road-blocking protest was ongoing, Vucic assured that the students' demands would be met. He acknowledged the need for a government reshuffle, expecting more than 50% of the cabinet to change.
Meanwhile, Speaker of Parliament Ana Brnabic announced that she would propose a vote of confidence in the government during a parliamentary session.