Serbian President Vučić Announces Separate Parliamentary and Presidential Elections

President Aleksandar Vučić said Serbia will hold parliamentary and presidential elections on separate dates, with the parliamentary vote likely first. He indicated that the election decree will be issued in August or September, setting the polls for October or November. Vučić argued that parties holding a majority in the electorate need not fear the timing of the votes and reiterated his confidence in the government’s position.

Opposition figures, including Dragoslav Ćirković of the citizen group “Niš, moj grad,” interpreted the split as a sign of governmental weakness and a tactic to buy time before the presidential race. Political analysts described the scenario as expected, noting the ruling party’s strategic advantage. Concurrently, speculation arose about pre‑election financial measures, with commentators suggesting Vučić might announce cash handouts or other benefits to voters ahead of the polls.