Serbia’s populist President Aleksandar Vucic resigned Sunday to run for prime minister in an upcoming early parliamentary election, stepping down eight months before his second term ends. His departure triggers a constitutional 90-day window for a presidential vote by year’s end while setting up a high-stakes October ballot against a youth-backed opposition movement.
Aleksandar Vucic Steps Down Ahead of October Ballot
Stepping away from the presidency months before his term expired in May 2027, Aleksandar Vucic announced his resignation on Sunday. Barred by the Serbian Constitution from seeking a third presidential term, he chose to step down to lead his right-wing Serbian Progressive Party in the October 25 early parliamentary election.
Vucic made his announcement against a turbulent domestic backdrop. The Balkan country has endured nearly two years of protests sparked by a fatal station tragedy.
Before signing his resignation papers, Vucic addressed supporters gathered outside the presidency building in Belgrade. He told the crowd that tonight marked his last evening in the building and urged them toward future wins.
The Youth-Backed Movement Challenging 14 Years of Rule
The ruling Serbian Progressive Party has held power since 2012, with Vucic serving either as prime minister or president for the past 12 years. Now, his administration faces a formidable challenge from a youth-led movement.
Public discontent surged following the November 1, 2024, train station canopy collapse in Novi Sad that killed 16 people. University students organized demanding accountability, transforming their push for justice and anti-corruption efforts into a broad political force.
The student-backed election list features experts, professors, teachers, and athletes. Campaigning on bicycles across the country, these groups have called for the rule of law and an end to graft. Independent analysts indicate that the student-backed coalition and Vucic’s party are running neck-and-neck in opinion polls, creating a referendum-style electoral contest.
Ana Brnabic Takes Over as Acting President Amid 90-Day Deadline
With Vucic’s resignation, power shifts temporarily to Ana Brnabic, the outgoing speaker of Serbia’s 250-member Parliament and a close ally who previously served as prime minister. Under constitutional rules, Brnabic assumes the role of acting president for a maximum of three months.
Serbia’s legal framework dictates that when a president leaves office early, the parliamentary speaker must schedule a special presidential election to take place within three months of the vacancy.
Election timelines established by law require at least 30 and no more than 60 days to pass between the formal announcement and polling day. This places the presidential vote between early November and late December.
Controversy Over Campaigning and Institutional Abuse
Vucic’s dual role as outgoing head of state and parliamentary election candidate has drawn sharp criticism from watchdogs. The Independent Bureau for Social Research filed a formal complaint alleging he misused a public institution to promote his political party.
Anti-corruption authorities under government control did not respond to the complaint. Meanwhile, the Republic Electoral Commission dismissed a separate challenge regarding his campaign involvement, ruling it unfounded.
Throughout recent weeks, Vucic has maintained a heavy public schedule broadcast live on pro-government channels. He has inaugurated new roadways, distributed financial assistance, and visited citizens at home.
Pardons Issued and Tensions Surrounding Election Night
Before vacating his office, Vucic signed pardons for 49 individuals. The clemency covers 23 people prosecuted during the protests, including anti-government activists who fled the country over accusations of anti-state activities.
State authorities have cracked down on demonstrations using police force and detentions. Vucic has accused critical media outlets and political opponents of plotting to destroy the state
under foreign influence, warning state television viewers that outside actors might instigate unrest when polls close.