Serbia's populist president, Aleksandar Vučić, has resigned from his post to pursue an attempt to become prime minister in an upcoming early parliamentary election. Vučić's second presidential term was set to conclude in May next year, but he is constitutionally prohibited from seeking a third term.
He stated his resignation was to lead his right-wing Serbian Progressive party (SNS) in the 25 October ballot. This election will test his rule in the Balkan country after nearly two years of widespread protests.
The governing populists face a significant challenge from a youth-backed movement that emerged following a train station canopy collapse in November 2024, which resulted in 16 deaths. This movement, initially demanding accountability, has grown to oppose Vučić's government after 14 years in power.
The prime minister in Serbia holds formally more power than the president. Vučić's decision to run for prime minister is seen as an attempt to retain a top position and boost his party's chances against the student movement.
Following Vučić's resignation, Ana Brnabić, a close ally and former prime minister who is the outgoing speaker of Serbia's 250-member parliament, will serve as acting president.