Aleksandar Vučić resigns as Serbia’s president eight months early to run for prime minister instead

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has resigned ahead of schedule to run for prime minister, rather than capitulate to protesters. His opponents have been clamoring for his departure since at least 2023, following the tragic collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad, which claimed the lives of 16 people. The resignation was anticipated, as Vučić had indicated in June that he was nearing the end of his tenure.

He stepped down as president eight months early and handed over power to his ally, Speaker of the National Assembly Ana Brnabić. A fresh presidential election must be held within three months. Vučić's political career has been marked by dominance within Serbia's parliamentary republic, where the prime minister holds more sway than the president.

He has governed Serbia for 14 consecutive years with his Serbian Progressive Party, despite retaining control even after becoming president in 2017. The country has a mixed record on freedoms and rights, rated as "partly free" by Freedom House. Serbia's relationship with Russia has been complex, with condemnation of the invasion of Ukraine but continued ties to the nation.

The recent protests against Vučić's government, which began in response to the railway station collapse, have grown into a broader demand for accountability and early parliamentary elections. Some analysts believe that Vučić may be leveraging the protests' momentum to his advantage, despite his eligibility to run again as president.

If his party secures a victory, he could retain influence as prime minister. However, polls suggest the opposition Student List could pose a formidable challenge, making this election particularly crucial for Serbia's future.