Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced his resignation on Sunday, ending his second and final five-year term and paving the way for early presidential elections. This move comes seven months before the end of his term, amid an election campaign for early parliamentary elections in Serbia, set to take place on October 25. Vucic's resignation allows him to be appointed prime minister if his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) forms the new government.
Hundreds of Vucic's supporters gathered in front of the Presidential building in Belgrade, waving flags and cheering as he announced his resignation. Vucic told the crowd that this was his last night in the building, adding that he had served with dedication and was proud of what they had achieved together. According to the Serbian constitution, the interim president will be the outgoing parliament speaker, Ana Brnabic, until a new president is elected.
The early presidential elections are expected to take place by the end of December, with the campaign period lasting between 30 and 60 days. Vucic had previously announced his intention to resign from his position as president in the summer. The parliamentary elections next month will pit the SNS and its allies against the Student Movement, an anti-corruption movement led by students, and the European Serbia coalition, a group of pro-Western opposition parties.
The Student Movement and European Serbia coalition have yet to nominate their presidential candidates. In May, Serbia experienced a surge in political and popular tensions, with Vucic hinting at his possible resignation as his term nears its end. This came amid ongoing protests in Belgrade and other cities against the government. The protests, which began on May 23, 2026, were described as one of the largest opposition movements in recent months.
According to the Serbian Interior Ministry, around 34,000 people participated in the protest, demanding early elections and accountability from officials. The demonstrations later turned violent, with clashes between protesters and security forces. The police arrested 47 people and injured 17 officers during the confrontations. The unrest spread to several vital facilities, including train services, which were suspended nationwide.
The protests were sparked by the collapse of a concrete canopy at a train station in Novi Sad in November 2024, which killed 16 people and triggered widespread criticism of the government over perceived shortcomings in safety standards and administrative negligence. Since then, the country has seen ongoing protests calling for early parliamentary elections and political reforms. Vucic had previously suggested that elections could take place between late September and mid-November.
The resignation of President Vucic and the upcoming elections have significant implications for Serbia's future. The country is expected to navigate a period of political transition, with various parties vying for power. The outcome of the elections will likely shape the country's direction and its relations with the international community.
Key points
- Vucic's resignation paves the way for early presidential elections in Serbia.
- The elections are expected to take place by the end of December.
- The country's future direction is uncertain, with various parties competing for power.
