Vucic announces resignation and early elections in Serbia following protests

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has announced that he will resign and that early presidential and parliamentary elections will be held, against the backdrop of long-standing anti-government protests in the country.

Speaking at a pro-government rally held in Belgrade, Vucic said, "I will be president for only a few more weeks, then I will resign." Vucic stated that the Serbian Progressive Party would prepare for the elections and proposed the name "United Serbia" for his party's electoral list.

However, Vucic did not share a timeline regarding the date the resignation would take place or when Parliament would be dissolved to pave the way for early parliamentary elections. Vucic's second and final presidential term was expected to end in mid-2027 under normal circumstances.

PROTESTS INCREASED POLITICAL PRESSURE

Protests in the country began after a canopy collapsed at a train station in Novi Sad in November 2024, resulting in the deaths of 16 people. The demonstrations, led by students, eventually became the center of criticism regarding corruption, public tenders, mismanagement, and democratic backsliding.

The opposition, human rights organizations, and protesters argue that the tragedy in Novi Sad was not merely an accident, but the result of a lack of oversight and allegations of corruption in public projects. The ruling front, meanwhile, highlights the view that the opposition is harming the country through the accusations leveled at the protesters.

Savo Manojlovic, leader of the student opposition movement "Move-Change," claimed that Vucic is trying to "pre-emptively control his inevitable fall" with the move toward resignation and early elections. Students had reiterated their demand for early general elections during events organized to commemorate those who lost their lives in the Novi Sad tragedy.

Whether Vucic will withdraw from politics entirely remains unclear. Although the office of the presidency in Serbia is largely symbolic, Vucic is seen as the country's most powerful political figure due to his influence over his party and the government. Assessments suggest that if his party wins following the early elections, he could return to the prime minister's seat.

While Serbia is a candidate country for the European Union, the Belgrade administration also maintains strong relations with Russia and China. In the EU accession process, the rule of law, free and fair election conditions, the fight against corruption, and aligning foreign policy with the EU line are among the key topics.