Fact Check: "Vucic refuses to call snap elections despite mounting pressure"
What We Know
Recent protests in Serbia have seen significant public outcry against President Aleksandar Vucic, with demonstrators demanding snap elections to end his 12-year rule. On June 28, 2025, approximately 140,000 protesters gathered in Belgrade, marking one of the largest demonstrations in recent months, primarily led by university students source-1. The protesters chanted "We want elections!" and expressed frustration over corruption and government inaction, particularly following a tragic incident in November 2024 that resulted in the deaths of 16 people due to the collapse of a railway station roof, which many attribute to government negligence source-2.
Despite the mounting pressure, President Vucic has consistently refused to call for snap elections. He has characterized the protests as part of a foreign conspiracy aimed at destabilizing Serbia, stating, "They wanted to topple Serbia, and they have failed" source-5. His Progressive Party coalition currently holds a significant majority in the Serbian parliament, with 156 out of 250 seats, which further solidifies his position source-5.
Analysis
The claim that Vucic refuses to call snap elections is supported by multiple credible sources. The protests have been ongoing for several months, driven by widespread dissatisfaction with the government, particularly in light of the aforementioned tragedy and allegations of corruption source-1. The scale of the protests, with up to 140,000 participants, indicates a significant level of public discontent, which Vucic has attempted to downplay by framing the protests as influenced by external forces source-2.
Critically, Vucic's refusal to call for snap elections, despite the clear demand from a large segment of the population, suggests a deliberate strategy to maintain his grip on power. His coalition's strong parliamentary majority allows him to resist calls for immediate elections without facing the immediate threat of losing power source-5. This refusal, combined with his accusations against the protesters, raises questions about the democratic processes in Serbia and the government's responsiveness to public demands.
The sources used in this analysis are reliable, coming from established news organizations such as Reuters, BBC, and Al Jazeera, which are known for their journalistic integrity and fact-checking standards. Each source corroborates the claim that Vucic has not only resisted calls for snap elections but has also framed the protests in a manner that seeks to delegitimize the dissent.
Conclusion
The claim that "Vucic refuses to call snap elections despite mounting pressure" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that President Vucic has consistently rejected calls for early elections, even as protests grow in size and intensity, reflecting a significant public demand for change in governance.
