Serbian prime minister asks president to dissolve parliament for snap vote
Prime Minister Djuro Macut formally requested that President Aleksandar Vucic dissolve the National Assembly, opening the way for an early parliamentary election. Vucic said he will issue a decree for early elections within the next few days and affirmed he will stand as the Serbian Progressive Party’s prime‑ministerial candidate if the party backs him. The party has formally suggested that Vucic resign the presidency and become prime minister should it win the vote. An early election is now expected for late October, with Oct. 25 cited as the likely date, as student‑led protests continue following the 2024 Novi Sad canopy collapse that killed 16 people.
How this was covered
- Right-leaning coverage is the most divided on this story
Why it matters
The decision could reshape Serbia’s political leadership and influence the country’s path toward EU accession amid ongoing anti‑corruption protests.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTLeft-leaning and centrist coverage stress the protests and anti-corruption backdrop to the snap election, while right-leaning coverage centers on Vucic’s personal plan to run for prime minister and his proposed smaller cabinet.
LEFT
The ruling party’s push for Vucic to become prime minister is presented as a response to mass protests and demands for accountability after the deadly canopy collapse.
CENTER
The move to dissolve parliament and hold an early election is framed as a constitutional step prompted by prolonged anti-government unrest and a student-led anti-graft movement.
RIGHT
Vucic’s announcement of an early election is portrayed as a strategic personal comeback, highlighting his intent to return as prime minister and to lead a leaner, more powerful cabinet.
The left emphasises
- mass protests triggered by the November 2024 canopy collapse
- demands for accountability and accusations of corruption
- proposal that Vucic resign the presidency and become prime minister if his party wins
The right emphasises
- Vucic will issue a decree for early elections within days
- Vucic plans to run again for prime minister and lead a smaller cabinet of no more than twelve ministers
- emphasis that this could be his final term before handing leadership to younger politicians
How this story developed
- Sep 5 Serbian prime minister urges president to dissolve parliament for snap vote
- Sep 7 Vucic announced he will issue a decree for early elections within days.
