Serbian President Steps Down and Calls Early Elections
The President of Serbia, rather than waiting for his term to expire, has resigned and initiated early election procedures. The parliamentary speaker will temporarily take over the duties.
The incumbent President of Serbia announced his resignation before the end of his term, paving the way for early elections to be held within three months, meaning the country will head to the polls twice by the end of the year.
Resignation Decision and Early Election Calendar
The leader, whose term was expected to expire next year in Serbia, announced that he resigned ahead of schedule. According to the Constitution of Serbia, early elections must be organized within three months following a presidential resignation.
According to the announced calendar, following the early parliamentary elections planned for the end of October, the presidential election will be held a little more than a month later.
Interim Presidency Duties
Following the resignation of the current president, Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić, a member of the Progressive Party, will serve as interim president until a new leader is elected.
With this transition period, it is aimed to carry out administrative processes without disruption and to complete election preparations within constitutional deadlines.
Pardon Decisions and Political Developments
The resigning leader announced that, using his constitutional powers, he pardoned 49 people, including 23 students and party sympathizers. According to reports by Serbian public broadcaster RTS, these individuals are suspected of crimes connected to events over the past year and a half.
In the parliamentary elections, the ruling Progressive Party will compete against the student-led anti-corruption movement Students Win and the pro-Western opposition coalition European Serbia.
Political Background and Staying on the Scene
A prominent figure in the country's politics for over a decade, the leader came to power as prime minister in 2014 and was first elected president in 2017.
The politician, who plans to participate in the elections as the leader of the Progressive Party in the upcoming period, continues to have the potential to maintain his presence at the highest levels of Serbian politics.