Vucic Resigns as President to Run for Prime Minister
Aleksandar Vucic resigned as Serbia's president Sunday to run for prime minister in the Oct. 25 snap parliamentary election. The constitution bars him from a third presidential term.
- 16 people died in the Nov. 2024 Novi Sad train station canopy collapse, sparking protests.
- 12 years: Vucic has served as either prime minister or president since 2014.
- 90 days: the constitutional window for completing a new presidential election.
- Analysts say Vucic's party and the student-led ticket are polling close.
Why it matters: The Oct. 25 vote is shaping up as a direct test of Vucic's 14-year grip on power. The student-backed movement, which began demanding accountability for the Novi Sad deaths, has broadened into an anti-corruption campaign.
- Prime minister is formally more powerful than president under Serbia's constitution.
- Serbia's EU accession talks have stalled over democratic backsliding and refusal to sanction Russia.
How 14 sources split on this story
Where they split: Center and left outlets emphasize Vucic's democratic record and the protest movement; the Jerusalem Post leads with his alliance with Benjamin Netanyahu.
Center coverage, 9 sources: The center presents Vucic's move as a strategic bid to extend power while noting the student movement as a genuine electoral threat.
The Hill4hSerbia’s populist President Vucic resigns to run for prime minister at early vote
Associated Press4hSerbia’s populist President Vucic resigns to run for prime minister at early vote
Bloomberg16hSerb President Vucic to Quit in Switch to PM Post, Echoing Putin’s Power Move
Deutsche Welle3hSerbian President Aleksandar Vucic announces resignation
France 244h🔴 Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic resigns, expected to run for prime minister
Jerusalem Post1hNetanyahu ally Serbian President Vucic resigns, paving way for early electionsKSAKSAT 12 San Antonio4hSerbia's populist President Vucic resigns to run for prime minister at early vote
Reuters5hSerbia's President Vucic resigns, paving way for early electionsLeft coverage, 2 sources: The left frames the story around democratic erosion, highlighting police violence against protesters and SNS control of state institutions.
Right coverage, 3 sources: The right leads with Vucic's personal ties to Netanyahu and frames his resignation as a constitutional maneuver ahead of a competitive election.
What’s next: Brnabic serves as acting president until a new parliament convenes and appoints a speaker.
- A first-round presidential vote is expected by end of December, Vucic said.
- Can the student-led Students Win list translate protest momentum into an electoral majority?
- Will anti-corruption authorities act on the BIRODI complaint before the election?
- Who will opposition parties nominate as their presidential candidate?