Serbian president signs decree dissolving parliament, with snap elections scheduled for October

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic signed a decree on Wednesday dissolving the National Assembly, with early parliamentary elections scheduled for Oct. 25, according to broadcaster RTS.

The decree states that Vucic dissolved parliament elected Dec. 17, 2023, following a decision based on a proposal by the government Sept. 7.

Vucic also signed a decision to schedule parliamentary elections for Oct. 25.

The president noted that the previous year and a half had seen significant turbulence in domestic politics.

"It would be wrong to draw the conclusion that this was the result of a conflict between political parties or political actors exclusively here in Serbia. Not only with admixtures, but with significant interference from foreign powers, we also had unrest and riots and conflicts and, on top of all that, a divided society," he said.

Vucic urged political opponents to engage in dialogue and conversation, stressing that it is always healing.

"Exchange of words and arguments always helps in resolving conflicts," he said. "There has never been an answer, and it is understandable, it is impossible to talk to someone against whom you are waging a dehumanization campaign and who you say is not human. That is why we need election results that will clearly determine and show the will of the citizens as to where, in what direction, and by what path Serbia is going," Vucic added.