Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić signed a decree on September 9 to dissolve the People's Assembly and set early parliamentary elections for October 25, 2026.
The decision was made after the Serbian government officially proposed to the president on September 7 to dissolve the parliament and set early elections. The vote will take place significantly earlier than scheduled; the next parliamentary elections were not expected until December 2027.
Vučić justified his decision by the ongoing tension and political disagreements in society. According to him, further postponement of the elections could jeopardize the stability of democratic processes in Serbia, as well as preparations for the EXPO 2027 international exhibition, which will be held in Belgrade.
“That is why I believe that right now we can still prepare for the EXPO and work after the election decides who will lead the Serbian government on your behalf,” the president said.
Vučić’s decision was not unexpected: back in June, he announced plans to hold early parliamentary elections.
The president’s statement was preceded by long-term and large-scale anti-government protests that began after a roof collapsed at the Novi Sad railway station in November 2024. The tragedy killed 16 people. The protesters are demanding accountability for the perpetrators and are speaking out against corruption.
Vucic also announced his intention to step down as president a few days after the parliamentary elections were announced. The Serbian president cannot run for a third term and had previously announced his intention to run for prime minister in the parliamentary elections. The ruling Serbian Progressive Party has already nominated him for the post if it wins the elections.
According to Vucic, the results of the snap elections should clearly show the will of the citizens and determine the future direction of Serbia's development. At the same time, the opposition and protesters accuse the president and his allies of corruption, pressure on the media and authoritarian methods of leadership. Vucic and his supporters deny these accusations.
