Amanze Chinonye
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has resigned seven months before the end of his second term, paving the way for him to lead his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) into an Oct. 25 parliamentary election and potentially return to government as prime minister.
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Vucic announced his resignation on Sunday and formally handed over presidential duties on Monday to National Assembly Speaker Ana Brnabić, who will serve as acting president until a new head of state is elected.
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The resignation followed Vucic’s decision earlier this month to dissolve parliament and call a snap election. He is constitutionally barred from seeking a third presidential term after serving five-year terms beginning in 2017 and 2022.
By stepping down, Vucic can participate in the parliamentary election and seek the premiership if the SNS and its allies secure enough support to form a government. Serbia’s prime minister is appointed following parliamentary elections rather than directly elected by voters.
The move also triggers an early presidential election, with Vučić saying the first round should be held by the end of December. Brnabić, as acting president, is responsible for calling the election within the constitutional timeframe.
The parliamentary vote follows nearly two years of student-led protests that began after a railway-station canopy collapsed in the northern city of Novi Sad in November 2024, killing 16 people. The demonstrations later expanded into broader demands for accountability, greater transparency in public procurement, action against corruption and early elections.
The SNS and its allies will face a student-backed movement known as Students Win, as well as European Serbia, an alliance of pro-Western opposition parties.
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Vucic has been a dominant figure in Serbian politics for more than a decade. He served as prime minister from 2014 to 2017 before becoming president. His government has faced criticism from rights groups and protesters over allegations of democratic backsliding, police violence and unlawful detention, which authorities have denied.
On foreign policy, Vucic has sought to maintain Serbia’s relations with Russia and China while pursuing the country’s stated strategic goal of joining the European Union.
His resignation does not automatically make him prime minister. He must first contest the Oct. 25 parliamentary election, after which the SNS would need sufficient parliamentary support to form a government before he could be appointed to the post.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
