Rasim Ljajić Resigns as Leader of Serbia's Social Democratic Party

Long‑time Serbian politician Rasim Ljajić announced his resignation as president of the Social Democratic Party of Serbia (SDPS) in early August 2026, citing his increasing responsibilities at football club Partizan. Ljajić said, "When I went to Partizan, I froze all duties in the party. Now the situation requires the party to work at full speed for the upcoming elections, which I cannot manage alongside my other positions."

The party appointed theatre director Jug Radivojević, a former SDPS vice‑president and director of the Belgrade Drama Theatre, as Ljajić’s successor. Radivojević also serves on the board of Red Star and heads its club foundation. SDPS, which holds six seats in the Serbian parliament, previously ran on Aleksandar Vučić’s list. The leadership change is expected to influence the party’s preparation for future elections and its role within the ruling coalition.