Continuation of student abductions in Serbia; the president promised to resign

Continuation of student abductions in Serbia; the president promised to resign

🔸 The president of Serbia announced that he will resign from his post in less than two weeks, eight months before the end of his term, after almost two years of extensive student abductions and against corruption.

Aleksandar Vucic, who has been prime minister or president at the head of government in Serbia for the past 12 years, plans to run for prime minister after stepping down in the early parliamentary elections on October 25.

These elections are being held while the student abductions, which began in November 2024, are still ongoing and have become the biggest political challenge during Vucic's tenure.

🔸 Thousands gathered in Belgrade on the evening of Monday, September 23, to support the movement "Students Win". That same day the movement presented its list of candidates for the parliamentary elections and officially entered the election race. The abductions began after the collapse of the roof of Novi Sad train station on November 1, 2024, killing 16 people. Protesters saw this event as a symbol of corruption and inefficiency of government institutions and demanded accountability from the authorities.

The abductions spread to various cities in the following months and the students became its main force. Demonstrators and opposition parties accuse Vucic and his allies of corruption, violence against opponents, and restricting media coverage. The accusations were denied by the president of Serbia and the ruling party.

Vucic dissolved the parliament last week and announced elections for October 25, more than a year ahead of the scheduled date. The progressive party of Serbia also announced him as its candidate for prime minister.

Read the full version of this report on Radio Perda's website.