Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has been discharged from the Military Medical Academy (VMA) in Belgrade and is feeling better after falling ill during a visit to the United States, Finance Minister Siniša Mali told national broadcaster RTS on Saturday.
Vučić was admitted to hospital earlier in the day following a health scare on Friday in the U.S., where he was scheduled to attend the Republican National Convention and an informal meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
“I spoke with him, and he says he feels better,” Mali said during an interview with RTS. He added that Vučić had cancelled all public appearances and obligations in the coming days to rest, in line with doctors’ orders.
Mali, who was with Vučić at the time of the incident along with presidential advisor Suzana Vasiljević, said the president described the episode as lasting only a few seconds, although to observers it appeared longer.
The finance minister said the trip to Florida had been a key diplomatic mission, given geopolitical tensions and discussions over U.S. tariffs and sanctions on Serbia’s state oil company. “It was very important for us to try to resolve as many issues affecting Serbian citizens as possible,” he said.
Mali noted that this was not the first time Vučić had experienced health issues. “According to the doctors, this was the fourth such episode,” he said, expressing hope for a swift recovery.
He described Vučić as a strong-willed man who dislikes admitting weakness. “He received a clear order to rest for a few days,” Mali said. “That might be a problem for him, but he will be disciplined this time.”
Asked whether Vučić would attend Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9, Mali said it was too early to confirm due to the president’s health condition. “Knowing him, he gave his word and I assume he will keep it — but I can’t say for certain,” he added.
Vučić is expected to address the public once he recovers, Mali said. “The most important thing is that his health stabilizes,” he added. “Believe it or not, when he called me an hour ago, he was already talking about continuing our tour across Serbia.”
He also confirmed upcoming visits to Belgrade by European Council President António Costa and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on May 11 or 12, saying Serbia’s European path remains a strategic priority.
