Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has stated that discussions regarding the formation of the new Serbian government will commence on Monday, March 31st.

“We will assess what those with the majority wish to do—whether they want to establish a government or opt for elections. That’s their prerogative,” Vučić told Radio Television of Serbia.

He emphasized that the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), of which he is a member, must formally approach him with a candidate for prime minister and confirm a secured majority.

When asked if he might consider a non-partisan figure as the prime minister-designate, Vučić replied that he has no such intentions, although he trusts that SNS President Miloš Vučević and the party leadership are exploring this option.

“We need to observe the response from the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS) regarding their potential coalition involvement. Their interest may vary, as various factors are in play,” he noted.

Answering queries about the opposition’s suggestion for a transitional government of public trust, Vučić affirmed that he would grant a mandate as soon as they demonstrate they possess a majority, specifically 126 MPs backing their proposal.

“Once they convince me of having 126 votes, I will issue them a mandate,” Vučić remarked.

The National Assembly of Serbia confirmed the resignation of the Serbian government on March 19th, following Miloš Vučević’s resignation as prime minister at the end of January. This parliamentary decision initiated a 30-day timeframe for selecting a new government.

Vučević resigned after a violent incident involving students in Novi Sad, where protesters claiming to represent the student movement were confronted by a group associated with the SNS.

On March 20, several opposition parties announced they had achieved a consensus that forming a transitional government was essential to navigate the nation through the ongoing social and political crisis.

The opposition plans to establish what they describe as a “Government of People’s Trust,” intended to be a temporary government lasting no longer than nine months, charged with specific tasks.

Ongoing protests and student blockades across Serbia started months ago, primarily demanding accountability from authorities for the November 1, 2024, tragedy at the Novi Sad railway station that resulted in 15 fatalities.

The recent parliamentary elections were marred by widespread allegations of electoral manipulation, which the ruling Serbian Progressive Party strongly dismisses as unfounded.

Accusations of election irregularities were raised not only by opposition figures but also by domestic observers and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

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