Serbia Vucic resignation plan opens path to early elections after youth-led protests

Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic says he will resign within weeks, potentially triggering early parliamentary or presidential elections. Speaking to supporters in Belgrade, he said he will help the Serbian Progressive Party campaign, while youth-led protests continue after more than a year of demonstrations challenging his grip on power.

Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic said on Saturday that resignation is expected within weeks. The announcement came after youth-led protests challenged Vucic’s hold on power. Vucic did not give a firm date for stepping down. Vucic also left unclear when early elections might take place.

The change could open a path to fresh polls before regular voting next year. Serbia’s election law bars Vucic from seeking a third presidential term. Regular presidential and parliamentary elections are due next year. Vucic earlier suggested leaving office amid talk of seeking prime minister.

Aleksandar Vucic resignation and early elections timeline

Vucic addressed supporters gathered in central Belgrade during the announcement. "I will be president for several weeks more and then I will submit my resignation,\" Vucic said. Vucic also said support would continue for the Serbian Progressive Party. Vucic added this could be a final address as president.

Vucic projected confidence about the next vote and spoke of a clear victory. \"We will win more convincingly than ever before,\" Vucic said. Vucic still did not say if elections would be for Parliament. Vucic also did not confirm if Serbia would pick a new president.

Youth-led protests against Aleksandar Vucic and calls for early elections

University students have led protests for more than a year. The demonstrations targeted what protesters called increasingly autocratic rule. Students have demanded early parliamentary elections for over a year. Vucic has so far avoided setting an election date. The protests have continued despite official resistance.

Vucic’s party has held government power for 14 years. Over that period, Vucic gradually tightened control of key institutions. Critics linked this shift to weaker checks on executive power. Vucic’s opponents said public pressure rose as political space narrowed. The latest events added to long-running political tension.

Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse and protests during Aleksandar Vucic era

A deadly accident in November 2024 intensified public anger in Serbia. A train station incident in the north triggered months of mass demonstrations. The tragedy killed 16 people and drove calls for accountability. Protesters blamed the collapse of a concrete canopy. The incident happened at the Novi Sad railway station.

Protesters linked the Novi Sad collapse to alleged corruption and negligence. They criticised large state infrastructure projects and demanded investigations. Vucic responded with a hard line against demonstrations. Hundreds of people were detained during the unrest. Serbia’s police faced accusations of excessive force and arbitrary arrests.

Vucic has also faced criticism from the European Union. EU concerns focused on democratic backsliding and restrictions on media. Critics described a clampdown on independent reporting and political debate. The resignation plan now shifts attention to possible election timing. Vucic did not provide dates, but said departure is soon.

With inputs from PTI