Serbia’s Aleksandar Vučić quits presidency in bid to become prime minister

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has resigned to run for prime minister in an early parliamentary election, as his ruling party faces a major challenge from a student-backed movement.

His second presidential term was due to end in May 2027, and Serbia’s constitution prevents him from seeking a third term.

He will instead lead his right-wing Serbian Progressive Party, or SNS, into the 25 October election.

“I am resigning the duty of the president of the republic,” he said while announcing his departure.

The election follows nearly two years of anti-government protests sparked by the November 2024 collapse of a train station canopy in Novi Sad, which killed 16 people.

Students initially demanded accountability for the disaster, but the demonstrations developed into a wider movement against corruption and Vucic government.

He has served as either Serbia’s president or prime minister for the past 12 years and his SNS has governed since 2012.

Former prime minister and outgoing parliamentary speaker Ana Brnabić, a close Vučić ally, will become acting president.