President Aleksandar Vucic has announced plans for early parliamentary elections amid escalating political tensions in Serbia. The decision follows weeks of demonstrations sparked by the tragic roof collapse at a railway station in Novi Sad in November 2024, which claimed 16 lives. Activists have been calling for systemic change, arguing that the government is corrupt and should be replaced. This has led to widespread protests demanding snap elections and Vucic’s resignation.
Vucic has framed the protests as part of a larger ‘color revolution’ orchestrated by Western governments and NGOs, a narrative that has been met with skepticism by opposition groups. They maintain that the unrest is a legitimate response to public outrage over corruption and poor governance. Vucic’s assertions have been echoed by Russian state media, which has accused the EU of attempting to stage a ‘Maidan coup’ in Serbia by manipulating public opinion through media. The situation remains volatile, with clashes between supporters and opponents of Vucic’s ruling party reported in Belgrade. The government has already made some concessions, including ministerial resignations and the release of documents related to the Novi Sad disaster. However, the prospect of an early election has added to the political uncertainty in Serbia.