Djuro Macut appointed as new Serbian PM amid student protests

Serbia’s parliament has approved a new government led by Djuro Macut, a prominent endocrinologist and academic with no prior political experience, in a move seen as a response to ongoing anti-government protests.

Macut, 61, was backed by 153 of 199 lawmakers present in the 250-seat assembly on April 16. His cabinet comprises 30 ministers, including 10 newcomers.

He was nominated by President Aleksandar Vucic following the resignation of former Prime Minister Milos Vucevic amid a wave of student-led demonstrations.

The protests erupted after a fatal train station collapse in Novi Sad on November 1, 2024, which killed 16 people. Students have since demanded accountability, transparency, and broader reforms, accusing the government of systemic corruption and authoritarianism.

In his address to parliament, Macut called for “dialogue, tolerance, and harmonization of society,” pledging to prioritize education and open talks with student demonstrators.

He also reaffirmed Serbia’s commitment to European Union accession and a “pressure-free dialogue” on the Kosovo issue.

Macut, deputy director at the University Clinical Center and a professor at the University of Belgrade, is widely respected in medical circles but enters office with no political background.

While key allies such as Sinisa Mali and Ivica Dacic retain top posts, the reshuffle brings in several new ministers, including Dragan Glamocic (Agriculture), Sara Pavkov (Environment), and Nenad Vujic (Justice).

Analysts see the blend of continuity and fresh faces as an attempt to stabilize Vucic’s government without fully addressing protester demands.

However, opposition voices remain skeptical, viewing Macut’s appointment as a strategic pause rather than genuine reform.

Student protests continue, with activists insisting their core demands remain unmet.