Aleksandar Vucic Launches Campaign for Prime Minister Ahead of Serbian Election

Former Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has initiated his campaign for prime minister in anticipation of a parliamentary election scheduled for October 25. Thousands of supporters gathered at the largest indoor arena in Belgrade on Saturday, where Vucic promised a "comprehensive" victory in the upcoming vote. The snap election was called after Vucic resigned as president on September 27, ending his second term over seven months early. Polls indicate a competitive race between Vucic’s Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and candidates from a student-led protest movement. Supporters arrived at the rally from various regions of Serbia, carrying flags and banners featuring Vucic's image. The event was broadcasted by numerous channels throughout the country and followed a week of Vucic visiting towns and villages to bolster his popularity, which has been impacted by nearly two years of ongoing antigovernment protests. Vucic has been a dominant figure in Serbian politics since 2014, and with his inability to run for a third presidential term, he aims to maintain his influence through the parliamentary vote. Should the SNS secure a majority, Vucic is expected to be elected as prime minister by the parliament. The student-led movement, which has emerged from protests demanding accountability for a tragic incident that resulted in 16 deaths in Novi Sad, is fielding candidates under the Student List. This group includes university professors, teachers, and experts from various political backgrounds. Vucic has accused the movement of attempting to disrupt Serbia and suggested, without evidence, that it is supported by foreign agents. He stated, "Absent an intervention of some [foreign intelligence] service, we will defeat them. And they know that."