Serbia's President Vučić Confronts Student Protests Over Election Schedule

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Novi Sad on Saturday, chanting “Victory” and demanding early parliamentary elections after a 2024 train‑station roof collapse that killed 16 people. Protesters and human‑rights groups accused President Aleksandar Vučić and the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) of corruption, media repression and electoral fraud.

Vučić told three state‑run TV stations that the SNS congress will be held on 27 June in Belgrade and that elections will be scheduled between September and November, leaving the exact date to “the competent institution”. He urged citizens to attend the congress and promised the rally would focus on “Serbia’s future”, while opposition leaders continue to call for snap elections.

Amid the unrest, the student movement announced it will field its own candidate for the upcoming presidential race, stressing the need for a neutral, independent figure. Political analysts speculate Vučić may delay elections to keep turnout below four million, citing new foreign‑agent legislation as a tool to shape the electorate.