Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced at a Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) rally in Belgrade that he intends to resign from his position, signaling a potential shift toward the premiership. According to reporting by Szabad Magyar Szó, Vučić stated he is in his final weeks as head of state, citing a desire to step down before his second term officially ends in May 2027.
Why is the Serbian President resigning early?
While official rhetoric focuses on party leadership and governance, the move follows sustained public pressure. Following the November 2024 collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad, which resulted in 16 deaths, protesters have consistently demanded Vučić’s resignation. Critics argue that systemic corruption contributed to the tragedy. However, sources within the SNS and media reports suggest the resignation is a strategic maneuver to transition into the Prime Minister’s office rather than a direct concession to protest demands.
How does the presidential succession work in Serbia?
If Vučić formally submits his resignation, the law dictates a clear, time-bound succession process. According to the Law on the President of the Republic, Speaker of the National Assembly Ana Brnabić would automatically assume presidential duties. However, her tenure in this role is limited to a maximum of three months. Within 90 days of the vacancy, the state must call for a new presidential election, with the vote occurring between 30 and 60 days after the call is issued.
What is the political strategy behind the move?
The SNS leadership views this transition as a way to consolidate power. Miloš Vučević, president of the SNS, stated in a mid-June interview on local television that if the party wins upcoming elections, they intend to nominate Vučić for Prime Minister. This strategy allows the party to keep its most prominent figure at the center of the executive branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can Vučić run for President again in the future? The constitution limits the office to two terms; his current second term concludes in 2027.
- Who takes over if the President resigns? The Speaker of the National Assembly, currently Ana Brnabić, assumes the role on an interim basis.
- Is the resignation related to the Novi Sad tragedy? While protesters have demanded his exit since the November 2024 accident, SNS officials frame the move as a planned political transition.
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