Serbia’s Vucic resigns to pursue prime minister role
SCMP · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic resigned on Sunday, formally stepping down after signing and submitting his resignation in Belgrade. Parliamentary Speaker Ana Brnabic is set to assume presidential duties on an interim basis, while Serbia also heads toward snap parliamentary elections on October 25.
Key Points
- Vucic said he signed a resignation text citing Article 116, paragraph 5 of Serbia’s Constitution and submitted it to parliament on Sunday
- Under Serbian law, Ana Brnabic assumes presidential duties for up to three months and must call a presidential election within that period
- Vucic said Serbia will hold presidential elections by the end of the year, while snap parliamentary elections are scheduled for October 25.
- SCMP said Vucic is seeking to shift into the prime minister’s office, a move it compared with Vladimir Putin’s earlier switch to remain close to power
- The October vote comes after nearly two years of anti-government protests, including a student-led movement that grew after the Novi Sad station canopy collapse killed 16 people in 2024
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers tracking European political risk, Serbia now faces overlapping presidential and parliamentary contests that could affect policy continuity and investor sentiment in the Balkans. The strength of the student-led opposition and Vucic’s attempt to retain influence from another office will be central to how stable the next Serbian government appears