Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic abruptly cut short his visit to the United States due to health concerns, specifically intense chest pain attributed to high blood pressure. Upon returning to Belgrade, he was admitted to a military hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Key Takeaways
- President Vucic experienced severe chest pain while in the U.S.
- He was hospitalized upon returning to Serbia but was later discharged.
- The incident raises questions about his upcoming travel plans, including a visit to Russia.
Health Concerns During US Visit
During his trip, Vucic met with various officials, including former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and was preparing for a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. However, he began to feel unwell, prompting him to consult with American doctors. Despite their advice to remain in the U.S. for further treatment, Vucic chose to return home.
Upon landing in Belgrade, he was immediately taken to the Military Medical Academy (MMA), where cardiologist Dragan Dincic reported that Vucic’s condition was stable. Dincic noted that this was not the first time Vucic had experienced such health issues, having faced similar problems three times in the past decade.
Political Context
Vucic’s health scare comes at a tumultuous time for his administration, which is grappling with widespread protests following a tragic incident at a train station in Novi Sad that resulted in 16 fatalities. Many citizens attribute the disaster to systemic corruption and inadequate oversight in construction projects.
Opposition leaders have criticized Vucic’s trip to the U.S. as a failure, particularly since he did not meet with Trump as planned. Zdravko Ponoš, a prominent opposition figure, suggested that Vucic was using his health issues as an excuse to cover up the unsuccessful trip.
Future Implications
The incident has raised concerns about Vucic’s upcoming commitments, particularly a planned visit to Russia for the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. While he has expressed intentions to attend, this could complicate Serbia’s aspirations to join the European Union, especially given the EU’s sanctions against Russia due to its actions in Ukraine.
Vucic’s refusal to align with Western sanctions has drawn criticism both domestically and internationally, further complicating his political landscape as he navigates health issues and public discontent.
Conclusion
As President Vucic recuperates from his health scare, the political ramifications of his trip to the U.S. and his future engagements remain uncertain. His administration faces mounting pressure from both the public and opposition parties, making the coming weeks critical for his leadership and Serbia’s political stability.
Sources
- Serbian president briefly hospitalised after cutting short US trip, Euractiv.
- Serbia’s President Vucic cuts short US visit and returns home after falling ill, AP News.
- Serbian president out of hospital after cutting short US trip, France 24.
- Serbia’s President Vucic hospitalized, cuts short US visit – DW – 05/03/2025, DW.
