Aleksandar Vučić resigns as Serbia president to run for prime minister

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced his resignation, clearing the path to contest an early parliamentary ballot as the head of his governing right-wing party. The move shakes up the political landscape in the Balkan nation after nearly two years of sustained street demonstrations and deep public friction, according to reporting from The Guardian and other outlets.

Vučić read his formal resignation text during a press conference at the Presidential Palace in Belgrade, telling gathered supporters that his tenure in the building had drawn to a close. Before signing his resignation, Vučić briefly addressed supporters outside the presidency building in Belgrade, telling the crowd that it was his last evening in the building and looking to the future with joy as supporters chanted his name. Although his second presidential term was scheduled to conclude in May next year, the Serbian Constitution bars him from seeking a consecutive third term. By stepping down early, Vučić positions himself to run for prime minister, a post that holds formal executive power above the presidency, though he has exerted dominant political control throughout his time in office.

Media additions

Political tensions have gripped the country since the November 2024 tragedy in Novi Sad, where a railway station canopy collapse killed 16 people. University students and citizens channelled outrage over alleged government corruption and corner-cutting into a massive anti-establishment movement. Demonstrations evolved from initial calls for accountability into a broad campaign demanding snap elections and structural reforms.

Before leaving office, Vučić used his constitutional powers to pardon 49 people, including 23 individuals who had been prosecuted for alleged offenses during the protests. The governing populists face a major challenge from a youth-backed movement that led the protests. The student-backed election list includes little-known experts, professors, teachers, athletes, and other individuals from all walks of life. Groups of students have been touring the country on bicycles as part of their campaign urging the rule of law and an end to corruption.

Ahead of the vote, Vučić has toured the country with live coverage on pro-government media, opening new roads, offering assistance money and cheaper medicines, and visiting voters in their homes. Independent bodies have scrutinised these actions. The Independent Bureau for Social Research filed a complaint alleging that Vučić has abused a public institution as president to promote his party, an allegation he has dismissed. Anti-corruption authorities under government control have issued no response. Furthermore, authorities have pushed hard against protesters with police violence and detentions. Vučić has accused his opponents and critical media of intending to destroy the state under unspecified foreign influence, claiming that foreign powers and unidentified people planned to stir unrest on election night.

Serbia's formal path toward European Union membership has stalled under Vucic because of democratic backsliding and a refusal to join sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine.

Parliamentary speaker Ana Brnabić, a close Vučić ally and former prime minister, assumes interim presidential duties under constitutional guidelines. Once a new parliament is elected in the 25 October ballot, the new speaker will take over from Brnabić, appoint the prime minister and schedule a presidential vote.

What Happens Next

• Political parties intensify campaigns across the country ahead of the 25 October parliamentary ballot.
• Ana Brnabić maintains interim presidential duties while parliamentary functions transition.
• A presidential election must be formally scheduled and conducted within the constitutional deadline following the parliamentary vote.