Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has resigned from office, clearing the way for him to run for prime minister in the country’s upcoming early parliamentary election on October 25, 2026.
Vucic announced his resignation Sunday, ending his second five-year presidential term. Serbia’s Constitution bars him from seeking a third term, prompting the move as his current presidency was otherwise due to end in 2027.
The former president is expected to lead the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) into the October parliamentary vote and seek the position of prime minister if the party forms the next government.
Following Vucic’s resignation, Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic, a close political ally, will serve as acting president until a new head of state is elected. Under Serbia’s constitutional rules, an early presidential election must be held within 90 days of the resignation.
The political transition comes after months of sustained student-led protests and wider political unrest. The demonstrations began following the November 2024 collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad, which killed 16 people and triggered demands for accountability and investigations into alleged corruption.
The student movement plans to contest the parliamentary election under the “Students Win” banner, with support from several opposition parties. The movement has called for greater transparency, investigations into alleged corruption and changes to political institutions.
Vucic has dominated Serbian politics as either president or prime minister since 2014. His decision to seek the prime minister’s office means he could remain a central figure in Serbian politics despite leaving the presidency.
The October election is therefore set to take place amid significant political tension, with the ruling party facing opposition from a student-backed movement and other political groups.
The resignation also triggers a separate presidential election, meaning Serbia is preparing for two major national votes within a relatively short period.
Swifteradio.com
