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Snap Election Imminent as PM Proposes Vote; EU Condemns Mladić Funeral Tributes

The political landscape is heating up with Prime Minister Đuro Macut proposing early elections, and President Aleksandar Vučić expected to announce the dissolution of the Assembly and call for snap elections tomorrow. The ruling Serbian Progressive Party has already nominated Vučić as their candidate for prime minister in the upcoming vote.

Internationally, the funeral of Ratko Mladić continues to draw strong reactions, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressing shock at the images and regretting the presence of officials. Serbia is also facing criticism from the region, leading to diplomatic actions such as the withdrawal of embassy employees.

Domestically, the education sector faces new challenges as university rectors voice concerns over autonomy and government pressure for the new academic year. Additionally, a school director in Belgrade has reportedly dismissed 13 teachers, prompting allegations of politically motivated replacements. Citizens are also grappling with significant new fees for property legalization.

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Early Elections Proposed Amidst Political Maneuvering

Prime Minister Đuro Macut has formally proposed early elections, a move he frames as a sign of democratic strength. President Aleksandar Vučić is anticipated to dissolve the National Assembly and call for snap elections tomorrow. The ruling Serbian Progressive Party has already nominated President Vučić as their prime ministerial candidate for the upcoming vote.

International Condemnation and Regional Disappointment Follow Mladić Funeral

The funeral of Ratko Mladić continues to spark international outrage, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen describing the scenes as shocking and the presence of officials as deeply regrettable. The event has also led to regional disappointment, including diplomatic withdrawals and criticism of the EU's initial response. Public estimates of funeral attendance have also been released, while questions are raised about the lack of punishment for celebrating war crimes.

Concerns Mount Over Education Autonomy and Teacher Dismissals

University deans are expressing significant concerns about the upcoming academic year, fearing a decline in university autonomy and increased government pressure. This comes alongside a report of a school director in Belgrade dismissing 13 teachers, with parents alleging that replacements have been brought in from specific regions.

Vučić's Stance on EU Procedures and Infrastructure Projects Questioned

Serbian President Vučić's opposition to EU procedures, particularly those required for the Belgrade-Niš railway construction, is under scrutiny. Critics are drawing a connection between the lack of such procedures and a past incident that resulted in 16 fatalities.

Concerns Over Media Independence Amidst Alleged Regime Investments

Concerns are being raised about the media landscape, with allegations of "regime investments in the dark" and swift dismissals of directors from ANN media outlets. These actions are fueling worries about potential hostile takeovers, particularly involving a Hungarian tech group with reported ties to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Serbian President Vučić.

Citizens Face High Property Legalization Fees and Infrastructure Issues

Citizens are facing substantial fees for property legalization, with questions arising about the consequences of non-payment. In other economic news, the average apartment price in Belgrade has surpassed 3,000 euros. Separately, residents of Mali Mokri Lug are experiencing problems with sewage overflow and are frustrated by their exclusion from the system despite paying bills.

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