Serbian President Vucic Resigns for Prime Minister Candidacy in Early Election

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced that he has resigned from the presidency to run for prime minister in the early parliamentary elections planned for October 25, amid nearly two years of ongoing protests in the country.

Resignation Decision and Early Election

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced on Sunday that he resigned from the presidency to run for prime minister in the early parliamentary elections that will test his grip on power.

Vucic, whose second presidential term is set to end in May of next year, stated that since he is constitutionally barred from running for a third term, he wants to lead the right-wing Serbian Progressive Party in the October 25 elections.

Youth Movements and Protests

The ruling party in the country faces a strong challenge from a youth-backed movement that emerged following the November 1, 2024 roof collapse at a railway station in the city of Novi Sad, which resulted in 16 deaths.

The justice and anti-corruption struggle spearheaded by university students has turned into a major political movement aimed at changing the administration that has been in power for the past 14 years.

Interim Process and New Era

Reading his resignation statement, Vucic noted that he has officially stepped down from the presidency and that Ana Brnabic, the incumbent speaker of the 250-member parliament and his close ally, will serve as acting president.

It was stated that since there is a 90-day legal deadline for an early presidential election, the first round of this election must be completed by the end of the year.