Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić Steps Down

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced on Sunday that he is stepping down from his post to take the helm of the ruling, right-wing Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and participate in snap parliamentary elections.

Snap parliamentary elections will be held in Serbia on October 25. Vučić's second presidential term was set to expire next May, but the Serbian Constitution does not permit him to run for a third term.

According to Vučić, his goal after resigning from the presidency is to lead the ruling party and participate in the parliamentary elections.

The ruling party will face a serious electoral challenge from a student-backed movement that sparked the large-scale protests which began in the country nearly two years ago. The protests followed the collapse of the railway station roof in the city of Novi Sad on November 1, 2024, an incident that claimed the lives of 16 people. Students demanded the punishment of those responsible for the tragedy, accountability, and a fight against corruption.

The student movement is currently aimed at bringing about a change of government. The Serbian Progressive Party has been in power for approximately 14 years, while Vučić himself has held the office of either Prime Minister or President for the past 12 years.

"I am stepping down as President of the Republic of Serbia," Vučić announced while reading his resignation statement.