Embattled Serbian president resigns, paving way for early elections

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has resigned after months of student-led protests and public dissatisfaction over allegations of government corruption. Addressing supporters outside the presidential building in Belgrade, Vučić claimed his nine-year tenure had maintained peace and stability. However, his administration has faced criticism over alleged corner-cutting, particularly following the collapse of the Novi Sad railway station roof, which killed 16 people in 2024.

Protests, involving various citizens, erupted in response and continued throughout the summer, escalating into unrest due to accusations of police brutality. Vučić's presidency would have ended next year, triggering presidential elections within three months of his resignation. Consequently, Serbians will vote twice before the year's end – in a snap parliamentary election in late October and a presidential election more than a month later.

The Progressive Party’s leader will carry on in a potential political role following the election. Interim President Ana Brnabić, also a Progressive Party member, will lead until a new president is chosen. Vučić pardoned 49 individuals, including 23 students and party loyalists accused of crimes related to the recent unrest. The upcoming parliamentary elections will see Vučić’s Progressive Party face off against a student-led anti-corruption movement called Students Win and a coalition of pro-Western opposition parties known as European Serbia.

Since becoming prime minister in 2014, Vučić has sought to align Serbia with the EU while maintaining close ties with Russia and attracting Chinese investment.