Serbia's Vučić resigns to run for prime minister amid protests
The populist leader steps down to contest October elections after a student-led movement challenges his rule.
The populist leader steps down to contest October elections after a student-led movement challenges his rule.
KEY TAKEAWAYS- Serbia’s populist President Aleksandar Vučić has resigned to pursue a bid to become prime minister in an early parliamentary election scheduled for October 25.
- The October parliamentary election will test Vučić’s grip on power after nearly two years of protests.
- Under Serbia’s constitution, outgoing parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić will serve as interim president until a new one is elected.
- [theguardian.
Vučić steps down to contest prime minister role
Serbia’s populist President Aleksandar Vučić has resigned to pursue a bid to become prime minister in an early parliamentary election scheduled for October 25. Vučić’s second presidential term would otherwise end in May 2027, but the constitution bars him from seeking a third term. He announced his resignation on Sunday, stating he would lead his right-wing Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) in the upcoming ballot.
The resignation was announced ahead of the snap elections, which were a key demand of a student-led movement. The protests were triggered by the November 2024 collapse of a canopy at Novi Sad railway station that killed 16 people. The tragedy sparked some of Serbia's largest protests since the fall of Slobodan Milošević in 2000.
Vučić’s supporters cheered him in front of the Presidency building in Belgrade’s city centre. He told the flag-waving crowd that he had faithfully served the country and was proud of what they had done together. The prime minister position is formally more powerful than the presidency, a factor analysts say may influence Vučić's strategy.
Political landscape and opposition challenges
The October parliamentary election will test Vučić’s grip on power after nearly two years of protests. The student-led movement, which has grown into a strong force, aims to oust Vučić’s government after 14 years in power. The opposition includes the Students Win group and the European Serbia alliance of pro-Western parties.
Vučić has been either prime minister or president for the past 12 years. His party has been accused of rampant corruption, organized crime links, and a clampdown on democratic freedoms. The student-backed election list includes little-known experts, professors, teachers, athletes, and other individuals from all walks of life.
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. He told Serbia’s state RTS television on Sunday that foreign powers planned to stir unrest on election night.
Interim leadership and EU accession
Under Serbia’s constitution, outgoing parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić will serve as interim president until a new one is elected. The presidential election must be completed within 90 days, with the campaign lasting between 30 and 60 days. Vučić stated that by the end of December, the first round of presidential elections would be held.
Minutes before resigning, Vučić used his constitutional powers to pardon dozens of people, including students and his party loyalists, suspected of offences during the protests. He pardoned 49 people, 23 of whom were in connection with the events of the past year and a half.
Serbia’s efforts to join the European Union have stalled under Vučić due to democratic backsliding and a refusal to join sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine. The independent Bureau for Social Research has filed a complaint alleging that Vučić has abused a public institution as president to promote his party.
Sources and context
theguardian.com — Serbia’s populist president Aleksandar Vučić resigns to run for prime minister
france24.com — Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic resigns to run for prime minister in October elections
