Serbian leader calls snap elections after dissolving country’s parliament – POLITICO

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has dissolved his country’s parliament and announced snap elections for the end of October as he seeks to assert control over the febrile political situation in the country.

“I am convinced that the citizens of Serbia will choose the right path into the future,” Vučić said Wednesday, adding that “preserving our democratic system” and avoiding divisions were his priorities. The snap elections will take place on Oct. 25, according to reports in Serbian media.

Vučić acknowledged “turbulence” in Serbian society but blamed “significant interference by foreign powers” for inspiring student-led anti-corruption protests that have fueled the country’s political turmoil over the past two years.