Vucic returns home due to health scare during US visit
- Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic cut short his U.S. trip due to sudden chest pain.
- Doctors confirmed the discomfort was associated with his high blood pressure condition.
- Vucic's early return raises health concerns and affects his political commitments.
On May 2, 2025, Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic abruptly cut short his visit to the United States due to a health emergency. While in the U.S., Vucic began to feel sudden chest pain during a meeting, which prompted him to consult doctors. Despite their advice, he chose to return to Serbia immediately. Upon his arrival, Vucic was admitted to Belgrade Military Hospital for further evaluation and treatment. The situation raised concerns given Vucic’s known condition of high blood pressure. The incident occurred in Miami, Florida, where Vucic had engaged with several dignitaries, including former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani. His schedule also included a planned meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The unexpected health crisis not only cut his meetings short but also raised questions about the overall effectiveness of his diplomatic engagement during the trip. Various officials, including Richard Grenell, U.S. presidential envoy for special missions, expressed hope for Vucic's speedy recovery and well-being through social media comments. Following his return, Dragan Dincic, a cardiologist from Belgrade’s Military Hospital, provided updates regarding Vucic's health status. Initially admitted for treatment, Vucic was reported to be in stable and satisfactory condition after receiving therapy. Dr. Dincic noted that while hospitalization was not necessary, the president should refrain from returning to his regular duties for several days to ensure proper recovery. This highlights the importance of health monitoring, especially for leaders managing national and international affairs. Vucic is also facing various pressures on the domestic front, notably stemming from persistent anti-corruption protests. These protests were ignited by a tragic incident in which the collapse of a train station roof claimed 16 lives. Additional scrutiny from international bodies, such as the European Union, has intensified regarding Vucic's foreign policy decisions, particularly his stance on Russia amid its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. In light of these circumstances, Vucic's health incident may impact both his ability to address these protests and fulfill his commitments to international diplomacy.