Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic resigns ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Monday 28 September 2026 - 09:25

By: Azzat Manal

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic resigns ahead of snap parliamentary elections

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic resigned on September 27, bringing his second and final presidential term to an early end as the country prepares for snap parliamentary elections on October 25. His departure opens the way for an early presidential election while allowing him to participate in the parliamentary contest without holding the presidency.

Vucic submitted his resignation after addressing supporters outside the Presidency in central Belgrade. He said he wanted to take part in the upcoming parliamentary election as an ordinary citizen. Under Serbia’s constitutional arrangements, National Assembly Speaker Ana Brnabic is due to assume the duties of acting president until a new head of state is elected.

The resignation comes as Vucic seeks a new political role. He is expected to campaign for the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) in the October parliamentary election and could become prime minister if the party and its allies form the next government. Vucic has previously served as both president and prime minister and has been one of Serbia’s central political figures since 2014.

The parliamentary election was formally called on September 9, when Vucic dissolved the National Assembly following a government proposal. The vote is scheduled for October 25 and comes amid a prolonged period of political tension and large-scale demonstrations led largely by students.

The protests began after the collapse of a concrete canopy at the railway station in Novi Sad in November 2024, which killed 16 people. Student-led demonstrations subsequently expanded into a broader movement calling for greater transparency, accountability and action against corruption. Government officials have rejected accusations that they were responsible for the issues raised by protesters.

The October election is expected to bring competing political forces into sharper focus. Vucic’s SNS and its allies will face a student-backed political movement as well as opposition groups seeking changes in the country’s political system. The student movement, operating under the “Students Win” banner, has presented candidates and called for investigations into alleged corruption and greater transparency in public spending.

Vucic has defended his record in office, pointing to economic development, infrastructure projects and investment. In his resignation speech, he also called on Serbia’s future leadership to preserve peace and stability while continuing work on economic development, innovation, artificial intelligence and education. His statements form part of the broader political debate over the country’s economic and institutional direction.

The resignation also sets a timetable for a presidential election. Vucic said the first round should take place by the end of December, while Serbian constitutional procedures require a new presidential vote within three months of the end of his mandate. Ana Brnabic will perform the presidential duties during the interim period.

Serbia’s political developments are being closely watched across the Western Balkans because of the country’s regional economic and political influence. Belgrade maintains significant ties with neighbouring states and Serbian communities across the region, while its relations with the European Union, Kosovo and other international partners remain important elements of its foreign policy.

The coming parliamentary and presidential elections will therefore mark an important period for Serbia’s domestic political institutions and for the country’s wider regional relationships. The immediate focus will be on the October 25 parliamentary vote and the formation of the next government, followed by the presidential election expected before the end of the year.