Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has stepped down from his office, cutting short a tenure that was originally scheduled to conclude next year. Addressing a crowd of supporters gathered outside the presidential offices in Belgrade, Vučić defended his administration's record over the past nine years, emphasizing that his government had maintained national peace and stability.
The departure follows more than a year of intense, widespread demonstrations across the country. Public anger escalated significantly following a deadly structural failure at a railway station in the city of Novi Sad, where a collapsing roof resulted in 16 deaths. Citizens viewed the tragedy as emblematic of systemic corruption and negligence under the ruling Progressive Party, noting that the government had heavily promoted the station's recent renovation as a showcase of national development.
Despite initial attempts by the government to manage the crisis through cabinet shake-ups and ministerial departures, public dissatisfaction persisted. The demonstrations expanded from student groups to encompass educators, agricultural workers, and laborers, eventually leading to clashes with law enforcement amid accusations of police brutality over the summer months.
Vučić had previously signaled his intention to step down in June, as constitutional term limits barred him from seeking another mandate as president. Under national law, the departure triggers a presidential election to be held within three months, which will coincide with a snap parliamentary vote already scheduled for late October in response to the unrest.
The upcoming political contests will see Vučić seeking to transition to the role of prime minister as the nominee for the Progressive Party. Parliamentary Speaker Ana Brnabić, a fellow party member, has taken over as interim head of state until a permanent successor is chosen by voters.
Before leaving office, Vučić utilized his executive clemency powers to issue pardons for 49 individuals, including university students and political supporters. According to national broadcaster RTS, the pardons covered offenses tied to the civil unrest and confrontations that unfolded during the prolonged period of anti-government mobilization.
The political landscape now sets the stage for a competitive electoral cycle. The ruling party will face challenges from a newly formed anti-corruption student movement known as Students Win, alongside a coalition of pro-Western opposition factions operating under the banner of European Serbia.
Vučić has remained a dominant figure in national politics for over a decade, first securing the office of prime minister in 2014 before winning his initial presidential term in 2017. Throughout his time in power, his administration pursued a complex diplomatic path, formally seeking integration with the European Union while simultaneously maintaining close political and economic ties with Russia and welcoming foreign investment from China.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC News. Read the original report at BBC News.
