Aleksandar Vučić has stepped down as Serbia's president to pursue the role of prime minister in an early parliamentary election, a move that will test his authority after nearly two years of protests.
Key facts
- Serbian president Aleksandar Vučić has resigned from office.
- He plans to run for prime minister in an early parliamentary election on 25 October.
- Vučić is barred by Serbia's constitution from seeking a third presidential term.
- His second presidential term would otherwise have ended in May next year.
- He said he was resigning to lead his rightwing Serbian Progressive party (SNS) in the ballot.
Serbia’s populist president, Aleksandar Vučić, has resigned in order to pursue an attempt to become prime minister in an upcoming early parliamentary election, according to the Guardian. The vote is set to test his firm rule in the Balkan country after nearly two years of protests.
Vučić’s second presidential term would otherwise have ended in May next year. He is banned by the Serbian constitution from seeking a third term, and said he was resigning to lead his rightwing Serbian Progressive party (SNS) in the ballot.
The early parliamentary election is scheduled for 25 October. Vučić’s move positions him to seek executive power through the office of prime minister rather than the presidency he has now left.
The Guardian reports that the election will serve as a test of Vučić’s grip on power following widespread protests that have continued for nearly two years in Serbia.
Vučić has been a dominant figure in Serbian politics, and his decision to shift from the presidency to a run for prime minister marks a significant change in how he intends to maintain his role in government.
Why it matters
Vučić's resignation and bid for prime minister represent a notable shift in Serbia's leadership after years of protests challenging his rule. The 25 October election could determine whether the populist leader retains his grip on power in a strategically important Balkan nation.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Aleksandar Vučić resign as president?
According to the Guardian, Vučić resigned to pursue an attempt to become prime minister in an early parliamentary election, as he is barred by Serbia's constitution from seeking a third presidential term.
When is the parliamentary election?
The early parliamentary election is scheduled for 25 October.
What party does Vučić lead?
Vučić said he was resigning to lead his rightwing Serbian Progressive party (SNS) in the ballot.