Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Wednesday that Serbia will hold early parliamentary elections later this year, likely in October, November, or December, describing 2026 as a politically challenging year.
“This will be an election year, and we will try to complete it in the best possible way,” Vucic said in an interview with national media, noting that the final date will be decided in consultation with political partners. Vucic, a dominant figure in Serbian politics for more than a decade, has not yet confirmed whether he will run for prime minister after the elections, saying his decision will depend on political circumstances.
The opposition has been calling for elections for months, accusing the government of institutional abuse, a charge denied by the ruling party. Serbia has recently faced slowed economic growth and intensified international pressure to advance dialogue with Kosovo.
In the same interview, Vucic said he hopes the government will be able to acquire an additional five percent of shares in the state-controlled oil company NIS in the coming months, aiming for fuller oversight of the company’s operations.
“I hope that in the upcoming period, for the first time I can tell you, we will be able to buy at least five more percent of shares in NIS. That way we would have full influence and control over what the majority owner does,” Vucic said. “We would not be hidden behind the curtain, making no decisions. Having more than a third allows oversight over finances and all other matters.”
Vucic described acquiring the additional shares as a key objective for the government in the coming months. “Is it realistic? I think it is,” he added.
The president also expressed optimism about the restart of operations at the Pančevo oil refinery, which he expects to resume within 10 days. He cited operational disruptions in the last quarter as having caused significant challenges.
“In the last quarter, we faced major issues due to the temporary halt of the refinery. This brought additional difficulties, and I hope it will start operating within 10 days,” Vucic said.
On broader economic prospects, Vucic predicted that 2026 would be Serbia’s strongest year economically, though he warned of tense and challenging political circumstances.
“I am not one for big celebrations, but today is the happiest day in Christianity. I am glad that we have preserved peace, made economic progress, and provided the highest pensions to retirees. I believe this year will be the best economically,” he said.
Vucic highlighted the importance of maintaining national stability amid geopolitical uncertainties. He stressed that preserving peace and defending Serbian values is crucial, especially given regional tensions.
“For our people, it is important that we try to keep peace, defend stability, and unite. I do not mean political parties – that will never happen – but for people to think about their country. Often, when things are going well, we assume they can only get better, not worse,” he said.
The president urged citizens to reflect on the year ahead and to uphold democratic values, emphasizing the need to protect future generations from conflict.
Vucic also criticized what he described as an emotional rather than fact-based approach in domestic politics, particularly regarding Kosovo. “We never discuss real facts seriously. Everything is based on emotions. If someone says something, they are immediately labeled a fool, a traitor, or worse,” he said.
Serbia’s president conveyed cautious optimism, balancing economic ambitions with the need for political vigilance.