Serbian PM Considers Option of Calling Early Elections This Year

Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic arrives at the Council of the European Union prior to an EU-Serbia intergovernmental accession conference, in Brussels, Belgium, 14 December 2015. Photo: EPA

Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said at a press conference in Belgrade on Thursday that he is considering the option of calling early parliamentary elections this year.

Vucic stated that he might take this step due to his desire to replace several ministers in the cabinet, B92 reported.

If a decision is taken to call early elections, he could resign in late February, allowing for the snap polls to be held together with the planned provincial and local elections.

Vucic assured that he will discuss the option with President Tomislav Nikolic and his party Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).

He added that he is not afraid to lose his  job and expressed preference for early elections over cabinet reshuffle.

According to him, early elections were the better option for making sizable reshuffle and devising a programme until 2020.

In his words, the only reason to avoid early elections was the likelihood that such a move could slow down the progress of reforms.

Vucic expressed hope that 2016 will be better than the last two years, pointing that the primary goals of Serbia are preserving peace and stability in the country and the region and improving Serbian economy.

The main board of SNS is scheduled to meet on Sunday when Vucic is expected to ask for authorisation to decide on early elections.

After the meeting, the Serbian prime minister is expected to hold a round of consultations with his closest associates and coalition partners and then decide whether to call early elections.

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