Belgrade, 7 April 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has tasked a medical professor hardly known in the political arena with forming a new government as the country faces a crisis over mass anti-corruption protests.

The task of endocrinologist Djuro Macut will be to continue to maintain peace and stability in Serbia while showing tolerance, Vučić said in a televised press conference in Belgrade on Sunday.

The previous incumbent, Miloš Vučević, announced his resignation in January under pressure from the protests, a move widely seen as tactical.

Since the collapse of a station canopy in the northern Serbian city of Novi Sad, killing 16 people, Serbia has been gripped by a wave of protests that has now spread to large sections of the population and plunged Vučić's leadership into a crisis of unprecedented proportions.

The organizers of the demonstrations, marches and university occupations blame the incompetence and corruption of those in government for the tragedy in Novi Sad.

They are demanding systemic reforms to eliminate corruption and mismanagement through the rule of law.

Vučić again accused the protest movement of being controlled from abroad and seeking a coup. He did not present any evidence.

Ex-prime minister Vučević was considered a loyal follower of the president, who makes all important decisions himself.

The designated successor Macut, born in 1963, has a reputation in professional circles as an endocrinologist. Politically, he has so far only been known as an avowed supporter of Vučić.

According to the Serbian constitution, Macut has until April 18 to form a new government and have it approved by parliament. The approval is considered a formality.

Photo: Aleksandar Vucic Instagram