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What is behind Vučić's resignation?

2026-06-28 17:50:11Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

What is behind Vučić's resignation?

Be it state institutions, the Church or the media – Serbia's authoritarian president, Aleksandar Vučić, is known for his desire to exert influence in all areas of society. And now the resignation? What is behind it?

Tens of thousands of his supporters – some willingly, some under duress – arrived in Belgrade from across Serbia on Saturday, as usual in organized buses. Then their idol stood at the microphone on the stage in front of parliament to announce his untimely departure from the highest state post.

"I will be President for only a few more weeks and then I will resign," Aleksandar Vučić said at a large rally in central Belgrade.

He added that he offered the leadership of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) help in the upcoming elections. His electoral list should bear the name “United Serbia,” reminiscent of the name “United Russia,” the party of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Vučić is known for sometimes seeking proximity to Russia and sometimes to the European Union.

A move to the Prime Minister's chair?

"This does not mean the end of Vucic's political career at all," analyst Radivoje Grujic told Reuters news agency. According to him, Vucic already has a plan that does not include political retirement.

Vučić's second presidential term ends at the end of May next year. He cannot run for a third term. The current parliament's term runs until February 2028. Vučić is expected to call early parliamentary elections and, according to some sources, will try to take over the post of Prime Minister in case of victory in the elections.

He himself has hinted on several occasions that early parliamentary elections could be held this year, but has not yet announced a specific date.

As president, he formally has mainly protocol powers. However, in practice, since 2012, he has independently decided on all important issues in Serbia, regardless of the position he holds. He was Prime Minister from 2014 to 2017.

Protests and pressure

Vučić and the Serbian government have been under intense pressure from a mass protest movement since the collapse at the Novi Sad railway station in November 2024. In that accident, 16 people died after a section of the roof collapsed, apparently improperly installed.

Protesters, the opposition and human rights groups believe the tragedy was caused by mismanagement of state construction projects and the incompetence of the relevant institutions. The judicial system, which is under Vučić's influence, has so far prevented the prosecution of those responsible.

The protest movement has been calling for early parliamentary elections for about a year.

Savo Manojlovic, one of the student leaders, said Vucic is trying to prevent his inevitable political downfall caused by the protests by calling early elections.

However, Vucic at Saturday's rally accused the protesters of wanting to destroy Serbia and accused them of collaborating with unidentified foreign powers. If the SNS wins the election, he promised an end to corruption, higher pensions and improvements to the state healthcare system.

On the other hand, the opposition accuses Vučić and his allies of violence against political opponents, widespread corruption, links to organized crime, and suppression of media freedom.

The ruling party's victory is not certain.

According to polls, a list drawn up or supported by students could win the upcoming parliamentary elections. Such a unified list at the national level does not yet exist. However, students have already achieved their first noticeable results in local elections.

The protest movement regularly brings large numbers of citizens onto the streets. Last month, some 180,000 people protested against the government in central Belgrade, according to estimates by the Archive of Public Gatherings, an independent professional organization.

Balancing between the European Union, Russia and China

The internal political tensions are occurring at a time when Serbia is pursuing a sensitive balancing act on the foreign policy front. The country is a candidate for membership in the European Union, but at the same time maintains close relations with Russia and China.

Before joining the EU, Serbia must improve the rule of law, which includes ensuring conditions for free and fair elections and a more effective fight against corruption and organized crime.

The European Union is demanding that the authorities in Belgrade align Serbia's foreign policy with the EU's common foreign policy. (DW)


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