BELGRADE, Serbia — Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced on June 27 that he intends to resign within weeks, paving the way for early presidential and parliamentary elections. The decision comes after nearly 18 months of sustained anti-government protests fueled by allegations of corruption and mismanagement following a fatal accident in November 2024, when an awning collapsed at a railway station in Novi Sad, killing 16 people.

Vucic, who has held top government posts either as president or prime minister for the past 12 years, revealed his plan during a rally of supporters in Belgrade. His current presidential term was originally scheduled to conclude in mid-2027, but his announcement accelerates the electoral timeline. He also indicated his intent to assist the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) in securing victory under a new electoral list titled “United Serbia,” though specific dates for his resignation and the dissolution of parliament have yet to be disclosed.

Observers noted that Vucic is unlikely to exit the political arena entirely. Analysts suggest the resignation strategy is aimed at enabling him to maintain influence by potentially assuming the office of prime minister if the SNS wins the forthcoming parliamentary elections. Radivoje Grujic, an analyst based in Warsaw, said the move signals that Vucic is preparing to preserve his grip on power rather than retreat.

The announcement follows some of the largest demonstrations seen in Serbia since the fall of Slobodan Milosevic in 2000. The protests, led primarily by students and opposition groups, intensified after the Novi Sad tragedy, which many linked to systemic corruption and neglect in infrastructure projects. Activists continue to demand early elections and greater accountability. Student leaders have criticized Vucic’s resignation as a tactic to forestall political defeat and maintain control.

“The student movement now has more support than Vucic does,” said Savo Manojlovic, head of the Move-Change student opposition group. Both students and opposition parties have vowed to challenge Vucic and the SNS in the upcoming polls.

Despite the largely ceremonial nature of the presidency in Serbia, Vucic has exercised significant authority over government affairs and party direction. In recent months, he has acknowledged the possibility of returning to serve as prime minister, a role he has previously held. Close associates have publicly encouraged this, underscoring his continued dominance in Serbian politics.

During his June 27 rally, Vucic accused protesters of attempting to destabilize the country and alleged foreign interference—claims denied by protesters and opposition activists. He pledged that his party would combat corruption, increase pensions, improve healthcare services, and enhance social support for vulnerable populations.

Serbia’s ambitions to join the European Union remain contingent on reforms, including advancing the rule of law, ensuring free and fair elections, tackling corruption and organized crime, and aligning foreign policy with the EU bloc. Meanwhile, Serbia continues to maintain strong ties with Russia and China, a balancing act that has defined much of Vucic’s tenure.

Opposition figures have repeatedly accused Vucic and his administration of suppressing dissent, corruption, and links to organized crime—allegations the president and his allies have rejected. As Serbia prepares for an early election cycle, political tensions remain high amid widespread public calls for greater transparency and change.