President of Serbia discharged from hospital, ends early stay in United States.

Protest Movement's Pressure on Serbian Government Continues

The unrest at the train station tragedy in Novi Sad persists, putting a strain on the Serbian government.

Serbian Finance Minister Sinisa Mali reported that President Aleksandar Vučić had departed Belgrade's military hospital, VMA, around 5:00 pm (1500 GMT) before stating he was feeling improved.

Just a day earlier, Vučić had returned prematurely from his U.S. trip due to experiencing chest pains. Upon arrival in Belgrade, he was instantly hospitalized at VMA, as per his office's announcement.

Cardiologist Dragan Dincic, who heads the Serbian army's health directorate, informed the media that Vučić's health was "stable and satisfactory." He explained that the president had suffered "intense chest pain" during his U.S. visit, and American doctors had detected a high blood pressure reading.

Dincic revealed that against the medical recommendations, Vučić opted to return home. He anticipates that the president's return to his regular activities will be delayed in the coming days. Vučić has previously faced similar cardiovascular issues multiple times over the past ten years, as recalled by Dincic.

Vučić, who was elected in 2017 and served as prime minister for three years prior, hospitalized due to heart problems in 2019.

'Fiasco'

The demonstrations that started following the deadly train station roof collapse in Novi Sad in 2024 continue to challenge Vučić. Many residents blame this tragedy on chronic corruption and the negligence of overseeing construction projects.

Before departing for the U.S., Vučić had mentioned plans to meet with Trump twice and hinted at important meetings with top U.S. officials. However, opposition figures dismissively labeled his journey a failure.

Zdravko Ponos, leader of the centrist Srce party and a fiercely critical voice against Vučić, mocked, "He’s covering up his fiasco with a story about a sudden health problem forcing him to rush back to Belgrade. There are no medications in American pharmacies!" Ponos had contested against Vučić in the 2022 presidential election.

Moreover, the announcement about Vučić's health condition raises questions about his planned visit to Russia for the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe on May 9. Vučić previously confirmed his participation, potentially attracting criticism from European Union officials, as Serbia remains eager to join the EU.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concerns about the security of foreign leaders in Russia, inciting criticism from Moscow.

Additional Insights:- Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić underwent a medical evaluation, revealing a history of cardiovascular concerns and temporary postponement of his regular activities[2][4].- The health incident comes at a crucial juncture for Vučić, with ongoing anti-corruption protests and international diplomacy that requires careful balancing between EU aspirations and Russian alliances [4].

Despite President Vučić's assertion of improved health, the incident rises questions about his upcoming visit to Russia for the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.
Among the international reactions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concerns about the security of foreign leaders in Russia.
Serbia, eager to join the EU, potentially faces criticism for Vučić's participation in the Russian event amidst the health incident.
The demonstrations against Vučić continue in Novi Sad, with residents focused on chronic corruption and negligence in construction projects following the deadly train station roof collapse.
Opposition leader Zdravko Ponos, mocking Vučić's return due to health reasons, stated derisively, "There are no medications in American pharmacies!"
Vučić's previous health issue, a cardiovascular problem in 2019, raises concerns over his history of medical-conditions and their potential impact on his regular activities.
Cardiologist Dragan Dincic, discussing Vučić's health, mentioned that American doctors detected a high blood pressure reading during his U.S. visit.
In politics and general news, the hospitalization of Vučić and its implications for his policies, diplomacy, and health-and-wellness are topics of interest, following the protest movement's pressure on the Serbian government. Crime-and-justice and war-and-conflicts are also areas where Vučić's health could potentially have a significant impact.