Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has signaled a potential shift in his political trajectory, suggesting he may resign his post to seek the office of prime minister. According to reports from BGNES, the move follows 18 months of anti-government protests triggered by a fatal roof collapse at a Novi Sad railway station in November 2024. While opposition figures like Borko Stefanović have drawn parallels to Vladimir Putin’s past strategy of swapping roles to bypass term limits, Vučić has rejected the comparison, instead citing the example of Bulgarian politician Rumen Radev.
The Strategy: Shifting from President to Prime Minister
Vučić, who has led Serbia for 12 years, is currently in his second and final presidential term, which is scheduled to conclude in 2027. Despite the largely ceremonial nature of the presidency, he maintains significant influence over his party and the government. Political analyst Radivoje Grujić noted in June that the president’s potential resignation is unlikely to signal a withdrawal from politics, but rather a calculated “plan of action” to maintain his grip on power.
The opposition, led by figures like Stefanović, argues that this transition mirrors the Russian model, where Vladimir Putin moved to the premiership between 2008 and 2012 to circumvent constitutional term limits. Vučić, however, dismissed these claims during an interview with the pro-government television station “Pink.” He stated that he would not accept a position without first seeking a direct mandate from the public, noting that while such a move might be legal, he would only pursue it after winning the “voice of the people.”
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The Serbian president has proposed that if he does resign, the government of Djuro Mačut would also step down, triggering snap parliamentary elections likely to take place in early December.
Comparing Political Tactics: The Radev Precedent
In defending his potential career move, Vučić invoked the precedent of Rumen Radev, who resigned as president before the end of his term to participate in parliamentary elections.
Vučić publicly stated he intends to campaign using his personal “Škoda,” claiming he does not own a state vehicle despite his long tenure. This mirrors the public image cultivated by Radev, who began using his wife’s personal Škoda after debates arose regarding the Bulgarian premier’s lack of a dedicated vehicle fleet. According to reporting by 24 Chasa, the issue in Bulgaria gained traction after former Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov criticized Radev for using a large security motorcade, leading to a public dispute over the necessity of state-funded transport for the premier’s administration.
Political Stakes and Future Elections
The decision to hold early elections comes after consistent pressure from anti-government demonstrations. Protesters blame systemic corruption for the November 2024 tragedy in Novi Sad, where 16 people died. Opposition figures, including Stefanović, have cited sociological surveys suggesting that the public appetite for the current administration is waning.
Despite these challenges, Vučić remains a central figure in the Serbian Progressive Party. His stated plan is to leave the presidency, vacate state facilities, and join the “United Serbia” electoral list to campaign for the prime minister’s office. Analysts suggest this maneuver is intended to install a loyalist ally as president, allowing Vučić to retain control over the country’s political machinery from the government branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does Vučić want to become prime minister? He has indicated he may seek the role to continue his political work, though he insists he must first earn a mandate from the public through new elections.
- Is the Serbian presidency a powerful role? Constitutionally, the position is largely ceremonial, but Vučić exerts significant influence over his party and the government.
- Why were there protests in Serbia? Demonstrations were sparked by the collapse of a railway station roof in Novi Sad in November 2024, which protesters attribute to government-linked corruption.
- What is the connection to Rumen Radev? Vučić cited the Bulgarian politician’s resignation as a precedent for stepping down early to seek a different elective office.
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