Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has stated that he will step down from his post as head of state in the coming weeks. He made the announcement at a rally in Belgrade attended by thousands of supporters of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party.
“I will remain president for a few more weeks, and then I will resign,” said Vučić, addressing a crowd of his supporters.
His second and final presidential term was due to expire in mid-2027. His resignation paves the way for early presidential and parliamentary elections. Vučić emphasised that, after stepping down as president, he would focus on supporting his party in the upcoming elections.
Vučić’s decision comes against the backdrop of anti-government protests, led by students, which have been ongoing for more than 18 months. The mass demonstrations were triggered by the tragedy in Novi Sad in November 2024, when a canopy at the railway station collapsed, claiming the lives of 16 people. Protesters accuse the authorities of corruption and mismanagement.
Aleksandar Vučić, who has dominated Serbian politics for more than 12 years (first as prime minister and then as president), described the announcement as his “final address to such a large crowd” in his capacity as head of state.
Under Serbian law, the president must step down before early presidential elections can be held. Analysts do not rule out the possibility that Vučić may stand for the post of prime minister after the elections.
The political situation in the country remains tense. The opposition and protesters are demanding far-reaching reforms and an investigation into corruption schemes.
The international media are already describing this decision as a “political earthquake” for Serbia, which remains a key player in the Balkans.