Serbian opposition rallies in Nis as ruling party backs Vucic for PM
Anti-government protesters marched in Nis as Serbia's ruling party proposed Vucic as PM candidate for early elections.
Scores of anti-government demonstrators marched through the Serbian city of Nis on Saturday, clashing with police barricades, as the country's ruling party gathered nearby under heavy security. The protest came ahead of an early parliamentary election that has become a flashpoint after more than a year of street unrest.
Chanting "Leave, leave!" in Serbian, protesters were blocked by police lines near the National Theater building, where the Serbian Progressive Party held its meeting. President Aleksandar Vucic arrived at the venue to cheers from his supporters before addressing party members on stage.
"What our party needs to do is to develop Serbia," Vucic told the gathering, emphasizing the importance of caring for the people the party represents.
During the meeting, the party formally proposed that Vucic become prime minister if it wins the upcoming ballot. Vucic has not yet dissolved parliament or set an official date, though the election is expected on October 25.
The vote comes nearly two years after a train station canopy collapse in northern Serbia killed 16 people. That tragedy triggered youth-led protests accusing the government of corruption and negligence.
Serbia's EU accession bid has stalled under Vucic amid concerns over democratic backsliding and electoral irregularities. The president has also refused to align with EU sanctions on Russia and maintains close ties with China.