Serbian president navigating protests, elections and regional security
Serbia has formalised a snap parliamentary election in late October, as President Vucic faces two years of anti-government protests and international scrutiny after the Novi Sad canopy collapse tragedy. The vote tests Vucic’s grip on power as student-led protests demand accountability and broader reforms.
Serbia has held a large funeral for Ratko Mladić, the convicted Bosnian war criminal, with soldiers, several government ministers and church leaders taking part. The event has prompted condemnations from the EU, led to Bosnia downgrading diplomatic ties, and caused EU officials to pause visits and reassess Serbia’s accession prospects.
Serbia has inaugurated a drone-plants facility built with an Israeli partner. The project aims to produce combat drones for Serbia and other countries, with about 100 workers, and to expand with at least three more factories across Serbia. Details on location and partner names remain confidential, but Elbit Systems is identified by prior reporting. The move occurs ahead of Serbia’s October elections as Belgrade strengthens military ties with Israel and other partners.
Polo has strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane with winds around 125 mph. It is moving toward the Baja California peninsula and mainland Mexico, bringing heavy rain, flooding and storm surge risks. Authorities say embankments in San Carlos and San Juanico face breach threats, prompting evacuations and shelter preparations. The storm could also trigger heavy rain and flooding in the U.S. Southwest as it tracks north.
Aleksandar Vucic has resigned the presidency and has launched a campaign to lead the Serbian Progressive Party into snap parliamentary elections on Oct. 25. A student-led movement born from a deadly 2024 Novi Sad station canopy collapse is contesting the vote. Overseas voting rules and limited polling stations abroad have sparked complaints from the opposition.
The Student List movement has mobilised across Serbia, challenging Vučić’s 14-year rule. After two years of student protests sparked by the 2024 Novi Sad railway canopy disaster, rallies are swelling as the vote nears. The movement is fielding 250 candidates for parliament, promising to combat corruption and move Serbia toward a more transparent future.
Serbia holds parliamentary elections after almost two years of student-led protests over corruption and perceived authoritarianism. Early results show the Student List winning a large share of seats, with turnout near 70%, the highest since Yugoslavia’s breakup. President Vučić concedes defeat as the students position themselves to form a new government with the potential to realign Serbia’s European trajectory.
Vucic has conceded defeat in Serbia’s election, while Djokovic has praised the student-led protests and called for a prosperous future as Basel hosts Swiss Indoors. The update follows a campaign that spanned years and ended with a diverse opposition movement and a government concession.