Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has resigned, concluding his second five-year term prematurely and setting the stage for an anticipated presidential election later this year. Vucic’s decision to step down precedes Serbia’s snap parliamentary election scheduled for October 25, which may pave the way for him to pursue the position of prime minister if his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and its allies garner enough support to form the next government.
In accordance with Serbia’s constitution, Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic will temporarily assume the role of president until a new head of state is elected. Vucic indicated that the initial round of the presidential election is expected to take place by the end of December.
The forthcoming parliamentary election presents a significant challenge to Vucic’s longstanding political influence, as his SNS and allied parties are set to compete against opposition groups, including the student-led Students Win movement and the European Serbia coalition. Vucic has been a prominent figure in Serbian politics for over a decade, having served as prime minister before becoming president in 2017.
During his presidency, Serbia has sought to fortify economic ties with China and maintain relations with Russia, all while continuing its strategic objective of joining the European Union. Additionally, Serbia has pursued stronger relations with Israel and the United States, exemplified by the recent establishment of a facility for producing Israeli-designed military drones to enhance its defense capabilities.
Vucic’s administration has faced ongoing protests following the November 2024 collapse of a railway station awning in Novi Sad, which resulted in 16 fatalities. Protesters have called for accountability, increased transparency, and measures against corruption. The demonstrations have intensified pressure on the government, leading to arrests and resignations of several officials in the wake of the disaster. In response, Vucic announced pardons and amnesties for numerous individuals linked to the protests.