Serbia’s president, Aleksandar Vucic, officially resigned on Sunday to lead his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) in early parliamentary elections set for October 25, where he aims to become prime minister. His political move is considered a crucial test of his 14-year rule, after nearly two years of ongoing mass protests across the country.
Vucic’s second presidential term ended in May next year, while the Serbian Constitution prohibits him from running for a third consecutive term.
“I am resigning from the office of the President of the Republic,” said Vucic, while reading the text of the resignation.
The October elections take place in a tense political climate. Vučić’s government faces a strong challenge from a broad popular movement led by students, which erupted after the November 1, 2024 tragedy in Novi Sad, where the collapse of the railway station tent killed 16 people.
The youth’s initial demand was for accountability and the fight against corruption, but it turned into a political platform that is trying to topple the SNS. The student-backed electoral list includes professors, experts, teachers and civil society figures, while polls predict a close race with a referendum spirit.
According to analysts, Vucic’s move to run for prime minister — a post that formally enjoys the most executive powers in Serbia — is an attempt to mobilize his electoral base and protect the party’s control over institutions.
Constitutional procedure and transition of power
After the resignation of Vučič, the role of acting President was taken by the Speaker of the Parliament, Ana Brnabič. Once the new legislature is elected after the October 25 vote, the new Speaker of Parliament will assume the role of acting head of state, decree the mandate for the new prime minister, and announce the date of new presidential elections.
Despite accusations by the opposition and civil organizations of widespread corruption, control over the media and abuse of state resources during the campaign, Vucic and his party have rejected these claims, vowing to continue maintaining economic stability and order in the country.
