Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic is reportedly planning to shift from his role as president to that of prime minister, a move reminiscent of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s strategy in 2008. This transition would see Ana Brnabic, the current parliament speaker and Vucic’s ally, assume the acting presidential duties. Early parliamentary elections in Serbia are scheduled for October 25.
Vucic is hopeful that his Progressive Party will secure victory in these elections, allowing him to maintain influence over the country’s governance. Bloomberg notes that his main rival is the Student List movement, which has emerged amid widespread anti-government protests.
The publication also draws parallels between Vucic’s plans and Putin’s past maneuvers, highlighting that Putin left the presidency to serve as prime minister in 2008, only to return to the presidency in 2012.
Following a conversation with Putin on Saturday, Vucic reportedly informed him about the preparations for the elections. During this dialogue, both parties emphasized the importance of preventing foreign interference in the electoral process.
Context
- Protests began in Serbia in 2024 following a tragic incident where a roof collapsed at a train station in Novi Sad, resulting in 16 fatalities. Protesters accused the government of corruption and incompetence, while Vucic has denied allegations of voter intimidation and election manipulation.
