Serbia's Vucic Resigns Presidency to Contest October Election as PM Candidate

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic resigned on Sunday, cutting short his second term to lead his right-wing Serbian Progressive Party into an early parliamentary election on October 25.

Vucic's presidency would otherwise have run until May next year. The constitution bars him from seeking a third term, and he said he was stepping down so he could head his party's campaign for the premiership.

Speaking at a news conference in Belgrade, Vucic announced his decision and then read out the brief text of his resignation before signing it, sending the document to parliament for approval.

"Today is the day, esteemed citizens, when I am resigning," he said, adding that for the last time as president he would try not to burden his audience with too many statistics.

The election will test Vucic's firm grip on the Balkan country after nearly two years of protests. The unrest was triggered by the collapse of a train station canopy in the northern city of Novi Sad on November 1, 2024, which killed 16 people.

University students demanded accountability for the tragedy, and their campaign for justice and against corruption has grown into a broad movement that now aims to unseat Vucic's government after 14 years in power.

Vucic has held the posts of prime minister or president for the past 12 years.