Following the resignation of Serbian Prime Minister Miloš Vučević, President Aleksandar Vučić announced that he would decide within ten days whether to call new elections or form a new government. Meanwhile, student protests continue to escalate across the country.
Political Turmoil After Novi Sad Tragedy
Vučević resigned three months after the collapse of a canopy at Novi Sad railway station that killed 15 people. The incident, coupled with ongoing daily protests and student blockades, has intensified pressure on Vučić’s government. Many analysts and opposition figures interpret Vučević’s resignation as a strategic move to restore control rather than an act of accountability.
In a press conference, Vučić stated that he would consult with party representatives before making a final decision. “After the prime minister’s resignation, parliament must acknowledge it, and a new government must be elected within 30 days. Otherwise, we head to elections,” he explained. Vučić dismissed opposition calls for a transitional government, insisting that such an arrangement would not be considered.
Protests and Political Fallout
Vučević stepped down hours after masked assailants armed with baseball bats attacked students in Novi Sad, leaving one young woman seriously injured. Protesters have accused members of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) of orchestrating the attack. Four suspects have been arrested, according to police.
Despite confirming that SNS affiliates were responsible for the attack, Vučević accused protesters of targeting government officials for months. Both he and Vučić claimed that the protests were “foreign-influenced” and part of a broader plot to destabilize Serbia.
Meanwhile, Novi Sad Mayor Milan Đurić also resigned, a key demand of student protesters who have been calling for accountability following the station collapse. However, demonstrators remain skeptical, continuing protests across the country. “This resignation does not change anything; we are staying on the streets until real change happens,” said a student leader.
Elections as a Political Strategy
Analysts believe that Vučić may see elections as a way to regain control. Marta Szpala from the Centre for Eastern Studies in Warsaw suggests that early elections could favor Vučić by exploiting the fragmented opposition. “By forcing elections sooner than expected, Vučić hopes to capitalize on the lack of a unified opposition front,” she told The Guardian.
Political analyst Dragomir Anđelković criticized Vučević’s resignation, calling it a “political maneuver” rather than genuine accountability. He warned that Vučić’s government would offer superficial concessions to weaken the protest movement. “This is not a sign of weakness but a calculated deception,” he told Beta news agency.
Opposition Calls for a Transitional Government
Leaders of the Freedom and Justice Party (SSP), Dragan Đilas and Marinika Tepić, insist that new elections should not be discussed until all student demands are met. “First, student demands must be fulfilled, then a transitional government must be formed to ensure fair electoral conditions. Only then can we talk about elections,” Đilas stated on social media.
Protests continued across Serbia last night, with thousands of students rallying in Belgrade and Novi Sad. Demonstrators carried banners reading “Belgrade stands with Novi Sad,” “Your bats won’t silence us,” and “Resignations, then justice!”
International Reactions
The European Commission has acknowledged Vučević’s resignation but declined to comment on Serbia’s internal politics. Spokesperson Guillaume Mercier emphasized the importance of free assembly and urged Serbian authorities to investigate attacks against protesters.
Former U.S. diplomat Edward Joseph sees the protests as a pivotal moment. “The fear factor is gone. Even in a weakened democracy, people can demand accountability,” he told The Guardian.
European Parliament rapporteur for Serbia, Tonino Picula, dismissed claims of foreign influence, stating that the government collapse results from “domestic pressure led by students.” Picula added that the EU’s continued support for Vučić may now be in question.
What Comes Next?
With Vučić weighing his options and protests gaining momentum, Serbia stands at a crossroads. Will Vučić call early elections to consolidate power, or will mounting unrest force deeper political change? The next ten days will be decisive for Serbia’s political future.
