Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić Announces Resignation, Triggering Student Protests in Kraljevo

President Aleksandar Vučić announced on Saturday that he will resign, opening the path for early presidential and parliamentary elections in Serbia. The announcement prompted a large anti‑government gathering in the city of Kraljevo, where students and other demonstrators demanded justice for the 2024 Novi Sad railway‑station roof collapse that killed 16 people. Protestors wore T‑shirts emblazoned with the slogan “Students win.”

The Reuters‑cited demonstration was described as the biggest in Serbia since the 2000 overthrow of Slobodan Milošević. Speakers highlighted alleged government mismanagement and corruption, with Gelena Danics saying, “It’s not just a political dispute, but a battle between good and evil.” Marco Jokić added, “I can’t imagine he will resign and hand power to someone else.”

Serbia, an EU candidate, continues to balance close ties with Russia and China, a stance Vučić has managed carefully. Analysts suggest Vučić may seek a prime‑ministerial candidacy or support an ally for the presidency to retain influence. The European Union and Russia are monitoring the situation closely, and the EU has condemned any violence against peaceful protesters while raising concerns about press freedom and judicial independence.