– Belgrade, Serbia
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced on Saturday that he will resign in the coming weeks, almost a year before his second term is due to end in mid-2027. Speaking at a pro-government rally in Belgrade, Vucic told his supporters, ‘I will be president for only a couple of weeks and then I will resign.’ He also announced that early presidential and parliamentary elections will be held.
This unexpected announcement comes amid ongoing student protests against the government, sparked by the collapse of a train station canopy in Novi Sad in November 2024, which killed 16 people. Protesters have accused the government of corruption and mismanagement, charges that Vucic and his allies have repeatedly denied.
Vucic, who has dominated Serbian politics for over a decade as leader of the Serbian Progressive Party, stated that he will help his party secure victory in the upcoming elections. He did not provide a specific date for his resignation or for the dissolution of parliament. This development is being closely watched across Europe, as Serbia is a candidate for membership in the European Union.
Brussels has long been pressuring Belgrade to strengthen the rule of law, combat corruption, and improve press freedom. This marks a significant turning point in Serbian politics, and opposition parties and the student movement are preparing to challenge the ruling party at the polls in the coming months.Further details on the election timetable are expected shortly.