Facing an unprecedented anti-corruption protest movement that has lasted over five months, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has stepped up his threats to try to quash the protests and remain in power. On Tuesday, April 15, in Belgrade, Parliament began examining a proposal to appoint a new government to replace the one that was forced to resign, in January, under pressure from demonstrators.

"Serbia is tired of blockades," defended the future prime minister, Duro Macut, criticizing those who "deny others the right to work, receive an education and live normally." A renowned endocrinologist, Macut, 61, has no known political experience, but was clearly chosen by Vucic for his scientific expertise and loyalty, as demonstrated by his participation in several rallies in support of the president, which were recently organized in Serbia, a Balkan country of 6.6 million inhabitants.

The new government will include Dejan Vuk Stankovic, a commentator known for his frequent appearances on pro-government television channels and for having consistently criticized the student movement. Vuk Stankovic was nominated to be education minister. The movement was sparked by the collapse of a newly renovated train station canopy in Novi Sad, the country's second most populous city, on November 1, 2024. The accident, which claimed 16 lives, has become a symbol of the endemic corruption plaguing Serbia.

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