Serbia's ruling populists propose President Vucic switch to prime minister after election

Serbia’s governing party has proposed President Aleksandar Vucic as prime minister if they win an early parliamentary electionBELGRADE, Serbia -- BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Serbia ’s governing party on Saturday formally proposed that President Aleksandar Vucic become prime minister if they win an upcoming early parliamentary election that is seen as a major test for the populists after more than a year of street protests. Vucic is yet to formally dissolve Parliament and call the ballot that is expected to be held on Oct. 25. Voting will be held nearly two years after a train station canopy collapse in northern Serbia killed 16 people, triggering youth-led demonstrations that blamed government corruption and incompetence for the tragedy. The election will take place in an atmosphere of heightened political tensions as the populists seek to retain power despite widespread popular discontent. Scores of anti-government protesters on Saturday marched in the city of Nis while Vucic's party held their meeting there. Police surrounded the National Theater building to prevent the protesters from reaching the meeting venue.Vucic told party officials that he will call the vote in the coming days...