Netanyahu ally Serbian President Vucic resigns, paving way for early elections

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced his resignation on Sunday, ending his second and final five-year term. This move comes seven months before his term concludes and paves the way for early presidential elections. Vucic, a political ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, resigned amid campaigning for Serbia's snap parliamentary vote scheduled for October 25th.

His decision allows him to potentially become prime minister if his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) forms the new government. Vucic received a cheering crowd at the Presidency building in Belgrade's city center, vowing to serve Serbia faithfully. Upon resignation, interim President Ana Brnabic will assume the role until a new president is elected.

The presidential election must be concluded within 90 days, with campaigning lasting between 30 to 60 days. Vucic had announced his intention to resign earlier in the summer. The upcoming parliamentary election pits Vucic's SNS and allies against anti-corruption student movement Students Win and European Serbia, an alliance of pro-Western opposition parties. Both Students Win and European Serbia still need to nominate their presidential candidates.