Serbia President Vucic Resigns Amid Growing Student Protests

Serbia President Vucic Resigns Amid Growing Student Protests

Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic has resigned from office seven months before his second term was due to end, as a growing student-backed opposition movement prepares to challenge his ruling party in a snap parliamentary election.

Vucic announced his resignation on Sunday in Belgrade, bringing his second five-year presidential term to an early close.

The 56-year-old leader is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term as president, but his resignation does not mean he is leaving politics.

Vucic is expected to lead his Serbian Progressive Party, SNS, into the October 25 parliamentary election and could become prime minister if the party retains control of government.

His decision comes after months of political pressure and widespread demonstrations led by students demanding accountability and action against corruption.

The protests began after a concrete canopy collapsed at a railway station in Novi Sad in November 2024, killing 16 people.

The tragedy sparked nationwide demonstrations, with students accusing the authorities of failing to ensure proper oversight and demanding that those responsible be held accountable.

The protests have since grown into a major opposition movement involving students, academics, professionals and other members of the public.

The student movement has now entered the political arena under the Students Win banner and is preparing to contest the October parliamentary election.

The group has gathered tens of thousands of signatures and has presented candidates from professional and academic backgrounds as it seeks to turn the protest movement into political representation.

Vucic has been one of Serbia’s most influential political figures for more than a decade. He served as prime minister from 2014 to 2017 before becoming president.

Although the Serbian presidency has limited executive powers, Vucic has remained a dominant figure within the country’s ruling political structure.

Speaking to supporters before leaving office, Vucic said he was proud of his record and grateful for the opportunity to serve Serbia.

“I have faithfully served you and my fatherland, Serbia. I am proud of what we have done together,” he said.

Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic, a former prime minister and political ally of Vucic, will serve as acting president until a successor is elected.

Serbia is required to hold a presidential election within 90 days, with Vucic saying the first round will take place before the end of December.

The outgoing president also announced that he had pardoned 49 people before stepping down, including individuals linked to the protests.

The October parliamentary election will now become a major test for Vucic’s Serbian Progressive Party as it faces a student-backed movement that began on the streets and is now seeking a place inside parliament.

For Vucic, the next political battle may determine whether his resignation marks the beginning of a genuine transfer of power or a move into another powerful position.