Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has called a snap parliamentary election for October 25 following nearly two years of mass protests against his government.

The protests began after a train station canopy collapsed in Novi Sad in November 2024, killing 16 people and sparking demands for accountability and an end to corruption.

Vucic’s ruling Serbian Progressive Party faces a growing challenge from a student-backed political movement that is expected to include professors and other experts.

Vucic, who cannot seek another presidential term, plans to resign and campaign for prime minister if his party wins the election, the AP has reported.

The vote is expected to be a major test of Vucic’s grip on power amid accusations of democratic backsliding, police abuses and growing public dissatisfaction.