Vucic launches bid to return as Serbia’s prime minister

Former Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic has launched a campaign to return as Serbia’s prime minister, ahead of a parliamentary election scheduled for October 25. Thousands of supporters attended a rally at Belgrade Arena on Saturday, where Vucic promised a “comprehensive” victory. Buses from across Serbia brought supporters to the capital, while the event was broadcast by numerous television channels.

Vucic resigned as president on September 27, more than seven months before the end of his second term. He is barred from seeking a third presidential term but is attempting to retain power through the parliamentary vote. If the Serbian Progressive Party wins a majority, parliament is expected to elect Vucic as prime minister.

He has dominated Serbian politics as president or prime minister since 2014. The election is expected to be closely contested between Vucic’s party and candidates associated with a student-led protest movement. The movement emerged after a canopy at a train station in Novi Sad collapsed on November 1, 2024, killing 16 people.

Its campaign has expanded from demands for accountability and action against corruption into a nationwide political force. Its electoral arm, the Student List, includes professors, teachers, experts and other candidates from across the political spectrum. Vucic accused the movement of trying to bring Serbia to a halt and claimed, without presenting evidence, that it was supported by foreign agents.