Serbia's Vucic Steps Down as President, Eyes Prime Minister Role in Snap Election

Serbia's populist President Aleksandar Vucic has resigned, setting the stage for an early parliamentary election on October 25, 2026, where he plans to run for Prime Minister. This strategic move, just months before his presidential term was constitutionally set to end in May 2027, aims to solidify his firm grip on power amidst nearly two years of widespread anti-government protests. The decision comes as Vucic's Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) faces its toughest challenge yet from a resilient, youth-backed Student movement, which emerged after a tragic train station canopy collapse in Novi Sad in November 2024 killed 16 people. Protesters have consistently demanded accountability for alleged corruption and democratic backsliding under Vucic's 14-year rule, which has also seen stalled European Union (EU) accession efforts due to concerns over democratic freedoms and close ties with Russia and China. With Vucic's ally, Ana Brnabić, stepping in as acting president, Serbia now also faces an early presidential election by year-end, adding another layer of political uncertainty. The upcoming October ballot is shaping up to be a critical test of public sentiment and will determine if Vucic can successfully navigate this political transition to maintain his influence, or if the opposition, driven by popular discontent, can force a significant shift in the Balkan nation's leadership.