Serbian President Vucic Hospitalized Amid Controversy and Protests
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic was admitted to a military hospital in Belgrade on Saturday, May 3, after reportedly cutting short his trip to the United States, according to his office. The reason for his sudden return remains undisclosed, though Vucic was said to feel unwell after a scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump in Florida.
Upon landing in Belgrade, Vucic was admitted directly to the Military Medical Academy. His office promised further details on his health in due course. This is not the first instance of hospitalization for Vucic; he had faced heart issues in 2019. Vucic’s latest health incident coincides with mounting public discontent sparked by a deadly train station accident in Novi Sad that resulted in the deaths of 16 people.
Protests have surged in Serbia, with many citizens blaming the tragedy on chronic corruption and insufficient oversight within construction practices. Opposition leaders are skeptical of Vucic’s narrative, claiming that his return to Belgrade is a cover-up for the perceived failure of his diplomatic visit to the United States. Zdravko Ponos, the leader of the centrist Srce party and a strong critic of Vucic, humorously remarked on social media, "There are no medicines in pharmacies in America," suggesting that Vucic’s health issue is a fabricated excuse.
The situation further complicates Vucic’s anticipated trip to Russia for the 80th anniversary commemorative events marking the end of World War II in Europe on May 9. While Vucic had vowed to attend the ceremony alongside Vladimir Putin and other world leaders, the trip could provoke discontent from the European Union, which Serbia seeks to join. The EU has levied sanctions against Russia over its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Adding to the tensions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine would not guarantee the safety of foreign leaders visiting Russia for the anniversary. In a responsive measure, Russia characterized Zelensky's statement as a direct threat to the celebrations.
As Vucic grapples with both health concerns and a growing protest movement, the political landscape in Serbia remains tumultuous, with observers eager to see how these developments will impact his leadership and the country's relationship with both the United States and Europe.
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