The President of Serbia has resigned to open the way for new elections after facing public protests lasting more than a year and a half over corruption allegations.
On Sunday, 27 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced his resignation to allow for early elections after enduring prolonged protests by students and citizens for over a year concerning government corruption.
The protests began in November 2024 following a roof collapse at Novi Sad railway station that killed 16 people. The public viewed this incident as a reflection of corruption and exploitation in government construction projects, as Vučić had previously touted the station's renovation as a flagship achievement.
Although several officials had resigned earlier, the protests led by students along with teachers, farmers, and workers escalated and continued throughout the past summer despite police crackdowns.
Before stepping down, Vučić used his authority to pardon 49 individuals, including 23 students and government party supporters who had been prosecuted during the 18 months of unrest.
Vučić's resignation means Serbia must hold two elections before the year's end: early parliamentary elections at the end of October and a new presidential election within three months.
However, as the constitution prohibits a third term as president, Vučić plans to run for prime minister under the Progressive Party to maintain political power.
Meanwhile, Ana Brnabić, Speaker of the National Assembly, will serve as acting president until the elections are completed.
Vučić has been a dominant political figure in Serbia for over a decade, serving as prime minister since 2014 and as president since 2017.
His foreign policy is populist and leans toward Russia, while welcoming Chinese investment, even as he claims to seek Serbia's membership in the European Union (EU).
The upcoming parliamentary election will be a contest between Vučić's ruling party and anti-corruption student groups allied with pro-Western opposition parties.
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Source:BBC