Serbia’s President Vučić Resigns to Run for Prime Minister in October Snap Vote

Serbia’s populist President Aleksandar Vučić announced his resignation on Sunday, seven months before his second and final term was due to end, paving the way for early presidential elections and a bid to return as prime minister, according to Reuters.

Vučić, 56, addressed hundreds of supporters outside the presidency building in Belgrade before stepping down. “This is the last evening for me in this building,” he told the flag-waving crowd, adding that he had faithfully served Serbia and his fatherland.

Barred by the constitution from seeking a third presidential term, Vučić will instead lead his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) into the October 25 snap parliamentary vote. If the party forms the next government, he could be appointed prime minister — a post he held from 2014 to 2017 before moving to the largely ceremonial presidency.

The move follows nearly two years of mass protests triggered by the November 2024 collapse of a Novi Sad train station canopy that killed 16 people, a tragedy widely blamed on corruption. Under the constitution, outgoing Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić will serve as interim president, with the first round of the presidential vote expected by the end of December, according to Reuters.

The Times drew parallels with Russia’s 2012 power swap, while polling shows the ruling party facing its toughest electoral test since 2012 from a youth-backed anti-corruption movement.

Sources:

• Reuters: Serbia’s President Vucic resigns ahead of October parliamentary elections
• AP: Serbia’s populist President Vucic resigns to run for prime minister at early vote
• The Times: Serbian strongman quits presidency for tilt at prime minister’s job