Former Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic Kicks Off Prime Ministerial Bid Ahead of High-Stakes Election

Serbia's former President Aleksandar Vucic gestures during a rally of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) ahead of the parliamentary election in Belgrade, Serbia, on October 3, 2026. [Zorana Jevtic/Reuters]

Former Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has officially launched his campaign for prime minister ahead of a crucial election scheduled for October 25. Thousands of supporters of the populist politician packed the largest indoor arena in Belgrade on Saturday, as Vucic pledged a comprehensive victory in the upcoming parliamentary vote.

The snap election, which polls indicate could be a tight contest between Vucic’s party and a coalition fielded by a student-led protest movement, was called before Vucic resigned as president on September 27, cutting short his second term by more than seven months.

Dozens of buses from across Serbia clogged streets around Belgrade Arena on Saturday, as supporters arrived at the rally in the capital carrying Serbian flags and banners bearing Vucic’s picture. The event, televised by dozens of channels across Serbia, capped a week of Vucic touring towns and villages in an apparent bid to shore up his popularity, which has faced challenges following nearly two years of sustained antigovernment protests.

Vucic, running on the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) ballot, has dominated Serbian politics as president or prime minister since 2014. Barred from seeking a third presidential term, he is now seeking to extend his political influence through the parliamentary vote. If the SNS secures a majority of seats, the parliament is expected to elect Vucic as prime minister.

The youth-backed movement that spearheaded the protests has demanded accountability for the November 1, 2024, train station canopy collapse that claimed 16 lives in the northern city of Novi Sad. The movement’s pursuit of justice and opposition to corruption has transformed into a nationwide political force whose electoral arm, the Student List, will attempt to unseat Vucic’s government. The Student List comprises university professors, teachers, experts, and others from across the political spectrum.

Vucic accused the organizers of the movement of seeking to bring Serbia to a halt and alleged, without providing evidence, that it is backed by unspecified foreign agents. Addressing his supporters on Saturday, Vucic stated that absent an intervention from a foreign intelligence service, his party will achieve victory.