Serbian PM proposes parliament dissolution, paving way for snap elections

BELGRADE -- Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut formally proposed the dissolution of the parliament in a live TV broadcast following an extraordinary government session on Monday afternoon, paving the way for snap parliamentary elections.

"I propose that the Government of the Republic of Serbia, in accordance with the Constitution, proposes to the President of the Republic to dissolve the National Assembly and call elections for members of parliament," Macut said.

He added that the current government would continue to perform its duties, achieve its set goals, and contribute to Serbia's further progress until a new government is elected.

Under Serbia's Constitution, the president may dissolve the National Assembly upon a reasoned proposal from the government and simultaneously call parliamentary elections.

The proposal came after a recent session of the Main Board of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), at which the party unanimously nominated President Aleksandar Vucic as its candidate for prime minister in the upcoming parliamentary election.

Vucic said at the session that he would step down as president after completing his scheduled state activities and foreign visits and then run in the parliamentary election.

He said that if the SNS wins the election, the new government would be streamlined, with a prime minister and no more than 12 ministers.

Vucic previously said that parliamentary elections would be held on either Oct 18 or 25, and that he would call the elections by Sept 9 or 10 at the latest. Under Serbian law, no fewer than 45 and no more than 60 days may elapse between the calling of the elections and the election day.