At a rally in Krusevac in the evening on June 28, the opposition Serbian Progressive Party, the Democratic Party of Serbia and the New Serbia party demanded the holding of early parliamentary elections.

Speaking before some 10,000 people, Progressive party leader Tomislav Nikolic said the opposition does not demand power, but elections.

"This year is a turning point. We have never before entered the struggle for change with more optimism. Never before have we started a campaign with more desire and feeling that we will prevail," said Nikolic. "We have started in this town and as of this moment let us remember Krusevac as the biggest victory of Serbia within Serbia itself," he added.

Nikolic further said that the gathering in Krusevac was a rally of the parties that will soon launch a joint campaign.

Democratic Party of Serbia deputy leader Milos Aligrudic backed an early vote, saying that people gathered at the rally because of their troubles, explaining that "such rallies are organized over empty stomachs," which, in his words, is the consequence of an inept government.

He went on to say that new investments in Serbia can only be dreamt about, adding that Serbia is falling apart as a state because its institutions "are being destroyed," while the basic national interests are being sold.

The organizers said the rally in Krusevac, which according to the local police went off without incident, is the first in a series of rallies that will be held throughout Serbia, while the final gathering will be in Belgrade.