Serbia's parliament on April 16 approved medical professor Djuro Macut as prime minister, installing a largely unchanged cabinet in a move aimed at defusing months of anti-government protests triggered by a fatal infrastructure collapse.

Macut, a 61-year-old endocrinologist with no prior political experience, was backed by 153 lawmakers in the 250-seat assembly. His cabinet, comprising 31 ministers including 10 newcomers, was swiftly confirmed during the vote.

"Serbia is tired of blockades," Macut told deputies in his inaugural address, calling for "harmonisation of society" through dialogue and tolerance. He pledged to prioritise the normal functioning of schools and universities, which have been affected by ongoing student-led demonstrations.

The appointment comes after former prime minister Milos Vucevic resigned on January 28, a day after members of his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) allegedly assaulted a student protester in Novi Sad. His resignation was formally confirmed by parliament on March 19.

The protests erupted after the November 1 collapse of a canopy roof at the Novi Sad railway station that killed 16 people. The tragedy ignited widespread outrage, with activists blaming corruption and negligence in state infrastructure projects. The government has denied the allegations, claiming the demonstrations are part of a foreign-backed effort to destabilise the country.

President Aleksandar Vucic, whose SNS holds 112 parliamentary seats and dominates the ruling coalition, handpicked Macut on April 6. Despite the new face at the helm, the cabinet retains most key figures from the previous administration, including Foreign Minister Marko Djuric, Finance Minister Sinisa Mali and Defence Minister Bratislav Gasic.

Opposition parties had called for a transitional government ahead of elections due in 2027 — a proposal rejected by the ruling bloc. The vote confirming Macut’s government was largely seen as a formality, with SNS and allies holding a solid majority.

Macut is the deputy director of the Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases at the University Clinical Center in Belgrade and a professor at the University of Belgrade Medical School. He is also active in international medical circles, serving on the Executive Board of the European Society of Endocrinology.

Despite his academic credentials, critics are sceptical about his ability to address the deep-rooted political crisis.

Vucic has recently promoted a new political platform — the Movement for People and State — as a vehicle to consolidate his support. Three ministers in Macut’s cabinet, including Boris Bratina, Bela Balint and Demo Berisa, are drawn from this nascent alliance.

While the reshuffle introduces a few fresh faces, critics argue the continuity in key positions indicates Vucic’s influence remains undiminished.

Macut, until recently unknown to the broader public, gained attention earlier this year after voicing support for the government’s stance on the protests. Observers suggest his technocratic and non-partisan image is an attempt to calm tensions — a strategy whose success remains uncertain as demonstrations persist.

Over the past three days, protesters have blocked entrances to the state broadcaster RTS and clashed with police in Belgrade. Daily rallies and campus occupations continue to pose the most serious challenge to Vucic’s 12-year rule.

The latest political maneuvering comes after a weekend of counter-demonstrations staged by Vucic and his allies, culminating in a three-day rally under the slogan “We will not give up Serbia.”

Despite the new leadership, few expect significant policy shifts.