Serbian President Resigns to Run for Prime Minister in Early Election

Serbia’s populist President Aleksandar Vucic resigned Sunday to pursue a bid for prime minister in an upcoming early parliamentary election, a move that comes after nearly two years of protests in the Balkan country. Vucic’s presidential term would have ended next May, but he is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term. He stated his intention to lead his right-wing Serbian Progressive Party in the October 25 ballot.

The governing populists face a significant challenge from a youth-backed movement that emerged from protests initially triggered by the November 1, 2024, canopy collapse in Novi Sad, which killed 16 people. University students demanded accountability for the tragedy, and their campaign against corruption has grown into a movement aiming to unseat Vucic’s government, which has been in power for 14 years, with Vucic himself serving as prime minister or president for 12 of those years.

"I am resigning the duty of the President of the Republic," Vucic announced, reading the text of his resignation. The upcoming vote is set against a backdrop of high political tensions, with Vucic’s party seeking to maintain power despite widespread popular discontent. His decision to run for prime minister is widely seen as a strategic maneuver to retain a top position and bolster his party's electoral prospects.

Before addressing supporters outside the presidency building in Belgrade, Vucic remarked, “tonight is a very special occasion for me, my last evening in this beautiful building.” He added, “But I look to the future with joy, new victories await us. Let’s beat them (opponents) more convincingly than ever before.” In the weeks leading up to the election, Vucic has actively campaigned, opening new infrastructure projects, offering financial assistance, and engaging with voters directly.

While the prime minister holds more formal power in Serbia than the president, Vucic has exerted significant influence during his two five-year presidential terms, often presiding over government sessions and announcing key decisions. The Independent Bureau for Social Research (BIRODI) has previously filed a complaint alleging Vucic misused his presidential office to promote his party, a claim he has dismissed. Anti-corruption authorities, which are under government control, have not responded.

Following Vucic’s resignation, Ana Brnabic, a close ally and former prime minister, will serve as acting president. Brnabic is the outgoing speaker of Serbia’s 250-member Parliament. The early parliamentary election must be held within 90 days of Vucic’s resignation.

Vucic and his party have faced accusations of rampant corruption, links to organized crime, and a crackdown on democratic freedoms, including the media. Since gaining power in 2012, the Serbian Progressive Party has gradually asserted control over state institutions, while denying such allegations and pledging to combat graft.

The student-backed election list comprises various experts, professors, athletes, and individuals from diverse backgrounds. Students have been campaigning across the country, advocating for the rule of law and an end to corruption. Analysts suggest a close race between the student group and Vucic’s party, creating a referendum-like atmosphere. Other political entities participating include Vucic’s allies, the Socialist Party, a pro-EU opposition alliance, and several smaller groups.

Vucic stated his intention to be "everywhere in Serbia to listen to the people" starting Monday, acknowledging personal mistakes while asserting diligent work in his positions. He also announced pardons for 49 individuals, including 23 prosecuted for alleged offenses during protests, among them anti-government activists who had fled the country.

Authorities have responded to protests with police action and detentions, while Vucic has accused opponents and critical media of intending to destabilize the state under foreign influence, without providing evidence. He also claimed that foreign powers and unidentified domestic actors planned to incite unrest on election night.

Serbia's aspirations to join the European Union have faltered under Vucic’s leadership due to democratic backsliding and the country's refusal to impose sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine.