Aleksandar Vučić resigns presidency to run for Prime Minister

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has resigned from his post to pursue the position of Prime Minister in the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for October 25. The move follows nearly two years of anti-government protests, partly fueled by student movements following a fatal tragedy in Novi Sad.

As Vučić steps down, Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić will temporarily assume presidential duties for up to 90 days. Vučić, leader of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), aims to secure a parliamentary majority to transition into the premiership, effectively maintaining his central role in Serbian politics despite constitutional limits on presidential terms.

The political transition occurs amid heightened tensions. Vučić has accused opposition organizers of being backed by foreign agents, while critics point to the influence of his administration on media and democratic conditions. Additionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin recently expressed support for Vučić, describing his policy as ‘wise and balanced’ and expressing hope that Vučić would lead the future government, a statement condemned by some Serbian political groups as interference in internal affairs.