Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić on Sept. 9 signed a decree dissolving the National Assembly and a decision calling early parliamentary elections for Oct. 25, 2026. The move followed a reasoned proposal submitted by the Serbian government on Sept. 7. Vučić said elections were needed so citizens could clearly determine the direction the country should take.
The decree dissolved the National Assembly elected on Dec. 17, 2023. The decree and the election decision take effect upon publication in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia, when deadlines for carrying out election procedures also begin.
Vučić Says Election Should Show the Will of Citizens
Addressing the public from the Presidency of Serbia, Vučić said the election result should provide a clear answer about the path the country wants to follow. Looking back at recent years, he said Serbia had faced foreign policy, domestic political, energy and economic challenges. 
He said Serbia had nevertheless managed to preserve peace and stability while continuing economic progress. Vučić added that Serbia was among Europe’s fastest-growing economies in 2026 and cited an International Monetary Fund assessment which, according to his account, projects that the country could record the fastest economic growth in Europe in 2027.
Political Divisions, Foreign Influence and Dialogue
Discussing domestic politics, Vučić said the previous year and a half had been marked by turbulence, unrest and deep divisions in society. He argued that those developments were not solely the result of conflicts among domestic political actors but also involved, as he described it, significant interference by foreign powers.
The president also said he had repeatedly invited political opponents to talks but received no response. In his view, the election should therefore provide a clear answer about the will of citizens and the future direction of state policy.
European Path, Technology and Expo 2027
Vučić said Serbia should continue on its European path while preserving traditional friendships, national pride and dignity. He also stressed the need for a stronger focus on modern technologies, innovation and artificial intelligence to protect the economy and jobs.
He cited preparations for the specialized Expo 2027 in Belgrade as one of the key reasons for holding the election in October. According to Vučić, delaying the vote could put preparations for the event at risk.
Call for a Peaceful Campaign and Respect for the Result
Vučić urged citizens to choose among different plans, programs and people, and called on all political participants to respect differing views, freedom of assembly and public expression throughout the campaign.
He stressed that voters’ decision must be respected regardless of the outcome and said he would congratulate whoever receives the public’s trust. He ended his address with a call for a democratic, peaceful and successful campaign.
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