17 hrs ago
Serbia's President Vucic Resigns Ahead of Snap Elections
Aleksandar Vucic resigned as Serbia's president before his term ended.
He says the country will hold an early presidential election.
Serbia will also hold a parliamentary election on October 25.
Vucic may try to become prime minister if his party wins enough seats.
Ana Brnabic will temporarily serve as president.
Student groups and opposition parties are challenging Vucic's party.
Critics accuse the government of unfair arrests, police violence, and corruption.
The political tensions grew after a railway-station awning collapsed and killed 16 people.
Aleksandar Vucic resigned seven months before his second presidential term was due to end.
His resignation enables early presidential elections and could allow him to become prime minister after October 25 parliamentary elections.
Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic will serve as interim president until a new president is elected.
The vote will pit Vucic's Serbian Progressive Party against student-led and pro-Western opposition groups.
Vucic faces criticism over alleged authoritarianism and the Novi Sad station disaster that killed 16 people.
- Who
- Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, his Serbian Progressive Party, opposition groups, and interim president Ana Brnabic.
- What
- Vucic resigned and Serbia is preparing for early presidential and parliamentary elections.
- Where
- Serbia, including Belgrade and Novi Sad.
- When
- Vucic resigned on Sunday; parliamentary elections are scheduled for October 25, with presidential elections expected by the end of December.
- Why
- Vucic said his resignation would facilitate the electoral process and could allow him to seek the prime minister's post if his party forms the next government; protests have also demanded accountability and early elections.
Government and Vucic supporters
Opposition and protest movement
Government record
Government and Vucic supporters
Vucic says he faithfully served Serbia and is proud of what was accomplished during his leadership; authorities deny allegations of police abuse and unfair detentions.
Opposition and protest movement
Rights groups and protesters accuse Vucic and his allies of increasingly authoritarian rule, police violence, unfair detention, systemic corruption, and a lack of accountability.
Political transition
Government and Vucic supporters
Vucic's resignation is presented as part of a constitutional and electoral process, with early presidential and parliamentary elections planned.
Opposition and protest movement
Students Win, European Serbia, and other opposition parties are using the elections to challenge Vucic's long dominance and demand political change.
Novi Sad station collapse
Government and Vucic supporters
The government has denied protesters' accusations, although several officials, including two ministers, were arrested or resigned after the disaster.
Opposition and protest movement
Students and opposition groups say the collapse requires accountability, transparent public procurement, and an end to systemic corruption.
Key facts
- Resignation timing
- Vucic resigned seven months before his second and final five-year term was due to end.
- Parliamentary election
- A snap parliamentary election is scheduled for October 25.
- Presidential election
- The presidential election must be completed within 90 days; Vucic said its first round would take place by the end of December.
- Interim president
- Outgoing Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic will serve as interim president.
- Main governing party
- Vucic's Serbian Progressive Party, or SNS, is seeking to form the next government.
- Opposition groups
- Students Win and European Serbia are among the groups contesting the parliamentary election.
- Novi Sad disaster
- The collapse of an awning at a reconstructed railway station in November 2024 killed 16 people and triggered nationwide protests.
Quotes
Aleksandar Vucic
Outgoing president of Serbia
“I have faithfully served you and my fatherland, Serbia, ... I am proud of what we have done together”
firstpost.com
“By the end of December ... we will have the first round of presidential elections”
firstpost.com
Sources
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