Netanyahu flew to the UAE to meet Emirati President Mohammed bin Zayed, source tells 'Post'

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has resigned, following months of student-led protests and widespread discontent over corruption allegations. In his final address, Vučić claimed his nine-year administration maintained peace and stability. He had intended to resign since June and is set to run as his party's candidate for prime minister in upcoming parliamentary elections.

Vučić cannot seek a third presidential term, as per the constitution. The administration faced criticism over corruption, exemplified by the collapse of a railway station roof in Novi Sad, which killed 16 people in 2024. Demonstrations involving students, teachers, workers, and farmers ensued, protesting alleged government misconduct stemming from a decade of ruling under the Progressive Party led by Vučić.

Despite several resignations, the protests persisted into the summer, escalating into unrest due to police brutality accusations. Vučić's presidential term ends next year, prompting elections within three months of his resignation, resulting in both a parliamentary election in late October and presidential polls in the following months.

Vučić announced the latter would occur a month after the parliamentary vote, called in response to ongoing protests demanding an early election. He also declared his intention to run for prime minister in the parliamentary polls, potentially retaining influence in Serbian politics. Parliamentary Speaker Ana Brnabić, a fellow Progressive Party member, will serve as interim president until a successor is chosen.

Following his resignation, Vučić used his constitutional powers to grant pardons to 49 individuals, including 23 students and party affiliates accused of offenses related to the year and a half of turmoil he acknowledged. The forthcoming parliamentary elections will see Vučić's Progressive Party face off against an anti-corruption student movement dubbed Students Win and a coalition of pro-Western opposition parties known as European Serbia.

Vučić, who has been a prominent figure in Serbian politics for over a decade, became prime minister in 2014 and was elected president in 2017. He has expressed a desire for Serbia to join the EU while cultivating close ties with Russia and attracting Chinese investment.