Vucic Holds Thousands-Strong Pre-Election Rally in Novi Sad

Aleksandar Vučić and his Serbian Progressive Party held a major pre-election rally in Novi Sad, their first large gathering there since a train-station canopy collapse killed 16 people and sparked mass protests. Thousands attended, many reportedly bused in, as the party faced a significant challenge in the October 25 election from a student-backed opposition list demanding accountability for the disaster. Vučić predicted his party would win and, without offering evidence, accused foreign powers of financing and organizing the protests. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico appeared at the rally and voiced support for Serbia’s territorial claims concerning Kosovo. The rally came amid sustained criticism of Vučić’s government over alleged corruption and democratic backsliding, charges the party denies.