Former Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic reportedly prepared to retain power through force following the parliamentary election but abandoned his plan after internal pressure.
Spasoe Vulevich, a former commander of the Serbian anti-terrorist police unit, stated that on October 25, approximately 4,000 police officers and 3,000 individuals—whom he described as “thugs”—were deployed to Belgrade’s central district. According to Vulevich, Vucic intended to refuse recognition of the election results.
MEP Sandro Gozi reported receiving alarming messages from diplomatic sources about potential violence by supporters of Vucic’s party on election day. His political group issued a warning that such actions could lead to clashes around 9:00 PM local time, coinciding with initial forecasts of electoral outcomes.
A representative for Vucic clarified that the police presence in Belgrade was a response to threats from protesters and not an attempt to seize power.
On October 25, Vucic acknowledged that the Student List coalition had secured victory in the early parliamentary elections. He also warned that the opposition alliance might impose sanctions against Russia by March or April of this year.
Subsequent celebrations saw supporters of the Student List take to the streets of Belgrade, where crowds cheered and clapped their hands. Later that evening, members of the opposing faction destroyed a tent camp housing Vucic’s supporters in the capital.
