Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced his resignation on Sunday, paving the way for him to run as prime minister in upcoming October parliamentary elections. The move comes as Serbia prepares for early elections amid ongoing protests and political tensions.
Vucic, who has held the presidency since 2017, will step down seven months before his term ends. He announced his resignation in June and dissolved parliament to trigger snap elections, allowing him to seek the prime minister role if his party forms the new government.
The elections will test Vucic's control over Serbia, with his Serbian Progressive Party facing competition from opposition groups including Students Win and European Serbia. The snap elections follow a major protest in November 2024 over a railway station collapse that killed 16 people.
Vucic has faced criticism for authoritarian rule, with protesters accusing him of police brutality and unfair detentions. He has granted amnesty to 49 people, including activists and supporters, in response to the protests, though authorities have denied allegations of corruption.