Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has officially resigned from his post, marking the end of a nine-year tenure defined by both significant political influence and recent widespread public opposition. The resignation follows a year of sustained protests, which intensified significantly after a fatal collapse of a railway station roof in Novi Sad in 2024 that claimed 16 lives.
Addressing supporters in Belgrade, Vučić defended his administration's record, asserting that he had maintained peace and stability during his time in office. His departure comes as the country prepares for a period of political transition. Under the Serbian constitution, which prohibits Vučić from seeking a third presidential term, parliamentary speaker Ana Brnabić is set to serve as interim president until a successor is chosen.
The resignation necessitates two separate national votes before the end of the year. A snap parliamentary election is scheduled for late October, followed by a presidential election within three months. Vučić, who has led the Progressive Party for over a decade, intends to remain active in national politics; he is currently campaigning to be his party's candidate for prime minister in the upcoming parliamentary race.
The political landscape remains divided as the Progressive Party prepares to face off against the student-led anti-corruption movement "Students Win" and the pro-Western "European Serbia" coalition. In a final act before stepping down, Vučić utilized his constitutional authority to pardon 49 individuals, including students and party members involved in incidents linked to the recent period of unrest.
Source: BBC News
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