Vucic to Resign as Serbia President and Run for Prime Minister

By Mintesinot Nigussie  |  September 18, 2026

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic says he will resign from the presidency later this month and run for prime minister in a snap parliamentary election scheduled for October 25, as the country faces growing pressure from a student-led opposition movement, Reuters reported.

Vucic said on September 27 he would step down as president, ending more than a decade at the top of Serbian politics. He said he would address the nation that evening to thank supporters.

The announcement came after Vucic called an early parliamentary election for October 25. He said he would seek the prime minister’s position in the vote, potentially allowing him to retain a central role in Serbian politics despite leaving the presidency.

The move comes nearly two years after student-led protests erupted following the collapse of a railway station roof in the northern city of Novi Sad in November 2024, which killed 16 people.

The demonstrations have developed into a wider campaign against corruption and the political system under Vucic and his allies. Opposition groups accuse the government of corruption and exerting control over the media, allegations that Vucic and his supporters reject.

Thousands of opposition supporters gathered in central Belgrade on Monday in support of the “Students Win” movement, the main opposition group. Candidates submitted certified signatures from supporters, an initial requirement for appearing on the ballot.

The protesters carried Serbian flags and chanted “Students Win” as the movement prepared to contest the election.

Some established opposition parties, including the Democratic Party and the Kreni-Promeni movement, have pledged to support the student movement rather than field their own candidates.

“We, as students, want to reset the system and start everything from the beginning, so that institutions can do their jobs,” student Stefan Lukic said at the rally.

Vucic has dominated Serbian politics for about 12 years, serving as either president or prime minister. Although he announced in June that he would resign, he did not initially provide a date for his departure.

Source: FSX Business News