Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic nominated outsider candidate Dr. Djuro Macut as the new Prime Minister-designate on April 6, following the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic in January.

Vucevic stepped down after months of protests sparked by the collapse of a canopy roof at Novi Sad station in November 2024 that killed 16 people. Despite government efforts to address public outrage, including the resignation and arrests linked to the disaster, protests have continued.

The ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) had previously put forward two competing candidates to replace Vucevic, but Vucic ultimately nominated Dr. Djuro Macut, an outsider with an extensive background in medicine, to lead the government.

Vucic may hope that the appointment of an outsider candidate with no political baggage may alleviate some of the recent unrest and restore public confidence in the government.

Dr. Macut, a distinguished academic and medical professional, has no previous political experience. Born in Belgrade, he received his bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees from the Faculty of Medicine in Belgrade before specialising in reproductive medicine and biology at the University of Geneva and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

A professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr. Macut became known to the public earlier this year when he delivered a speech to counter-protestors calling for an end to the student blockades. He has also been vocal in his support for Vucic, having signed a letter backing the ruling coalition in the controversial December 2023 elections and speaking at a pro-government rally in Jagodina in January 2025.

At a press conference on Sunday evening, President Vucic confirmed Dr. Macut’s nomination, acknowledging the difficult political situation Serbia currently faces. "The new government will face a huge task in maintaining peace and stability, and it will be a challenge for them to continue without resorting to force until the very last moment," Vucic said.

The Serbian opposition parties, which are advocating for the formation of a transitional government, were notably absent from the consultations. They have since claimed that the appointment of Macut only serves to consolidate Vucic’s grip on power.

Dragan Djilas, one of the most prominent figures in the Serbian opposition, condemned the appointment, suggesting Dr. Macut was a stooge and accusing the president of installing an “obedient executor” of his will.

The deadline for electing a new government is April 18.