European nation calls for early elections to 'reduce tensions'

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic dissolved parliament on November 1 and scheduled general and local elections for December 17. The move came after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Belgrade, promising the country EU membership – but at a price.

Besides electing all 250 members of Parliament, Serbian citizens will also vote for mayors of Belgrade and 10 other cities, as well as heads of 54 districts.

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic's cabinet proposed holding new elections on October 30, saying in an official letter to Mr. Vucic that doing so would “ensure a greater level of democracy” and “reduce tensions” in society, while still “affirming European values.”

It is known that the last time Serbia held a general election was in April 2022, and the next general election was supposed to take place in 2026. However, some opposition parties have used public anger over the school shooting that occurred in May this year to demand early elections.

“Whoever wins the election will have clear powers until 2027. There will be no more elections until then,” Mr. Vucic said in a statement announcing his intention to hold the election on October 29.

The next government “will have to take us to a place where there is no going back, no going back. The country has to move forward,” the leader added.

According to RT, President Vucic and his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) have dominated Serbian politics since 2012, replacing the self-styled liberal democrats who emerged after the 2000 color revolution. His government claims to be a centrist populist and has refused to join EU sanctions against Russia or recognize the breakaway province of Kosovo as independent.

However, the EU has made these two issues a prerequisite for any negotiations on joining the bloc. During a visit to Belgrade on October 31, Ms. von der Leyen said that Belgrade is expected to implement the so-called Franco-German plan to “normalize relations” with Kosovo – that is, recognize Kosovo – and “synchronize” its foreign policy with Brussels, that is, sanction Moscow.

“We want Serbia to join our alliance. This offer is based on trust, reciprocity and partnership. It is a promise of peace and prosperity and a unique opportunity that no one can match today,” the German politician said.

While Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik has suggested that the former Yugoslav states should instead join BRICS, Vucic’s official policy remains that Serbia should become an EU member. While “sovereignist” critics accuse Vucic of giving in to the bloc’s demands, the “liberal” opposition accuses him of not moving fast enough.