Vučić steps down and enters Serbia’s election battle
The Serbian president makes way for a caretaker and wants to take part in the parliamentary elections as an ordinary citizen.
Aleksandar Vučić announced on Sunday evening that he was resigning as president of Serbia. He wants to take part in the early parliamentary elections on 25 October and has not ruled out becoming prime minister afterwards.
Vučić announced his decision after a speech in the presidential building in Belgrade. According to the Serbian government, he has signed his resignation and will hand over his duties on Monday morning to parliamentary speaker Ana Brnabić, who will become acting president.
The president said he wants to take part in the election campaign as an ordinary citizen. The Serbian government also reported that presidential elections must be held by the end of December at the latest. Alongside the planned parliamentary elections, this creates a second election date for the country’s highest office.
The parliamentary elections were previously called for 25 October. The incumbent president dissolved parliament and called early elections. His Serbian Progressive Party, SNS, therefore remains the main political organisation surrounding the forthcoming transfer of power.
According to Reuters, the resignation would make it possible for Vučić to become prime minister after the elections if his party can form a new government. In Serbia, the prime minister is responsible for day-to-day government policy, while the president is formally the head of state. A move would therefore place Vučić in a different constitutional role, while keeping him close to executive power.
Vučić had already said in June that he wanted to step down within a few weeks. This came against the backdrop of prolonged, youth-led protests against his rule. His announced departure was therefore not entirely unexpected, but the formal signing now makes the transfer of power concrete.
The coming weeks will above all have to clarify how the election campaign unfolds, what formal role Vučić assumes within the SNS and how independently the acting president can operate. It is also not yet known who will stand for the presidency. The outcome of the parliamentary elections could determine whether Vučić returns as head of government.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Vučić has resigned as president.
- Ana Brnabić will become acting president.
- Early parliamentary elections are scheduled for 25 October.
- Vučić wants to take part in those elections and may become prime minister.
- Presidential elections must be held by the end of December at the latest.
Left
Arguments A left-wing perspective will emphasise that a transfer of power is only meaningful if elections are conducted fairly, opposition parties are given room to operate and state resources are not used to favour the governing party.
Values Democratic equality, public participation, independent media and protection of civil protests are central.
Consequences A move by Vučić to the premiership may be seen as a continuation of the same concentration of power, even if it takes place formally within the constitution.
Centre
Arguments The institutional approach places the emphasis on an orderly transition, adherence to the election calendar and clear constitutional arrangements concerning the powers of the president, prime minister and acting president.
Values Continuity, the rule of law, administrative stability and verifiable procedures carry considerable weight.
Consequences An orderly electoral cycle can limit uncertainty, but legitimacy will remain dependent on the assessment of observers and the opposition.
Right
Arguments A right-wing perspective will chiefly emphasise the importance of national stability, effective government and the protection of Serbian interests. Vučić’s move can be defended as a way of retaining political responsibility.
Values National sovereignty, security, order and policy continuity come first.
Consequences Swift elections could produce a clear mandate, but a strong link between party, government and president could also trigger new tensions.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
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This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The article’s central claims are confirmed by an official Serbian government publication and an independent Reuters account. Background on Vučić’s announced departure and the protests comes from AP.
- confirmed Aleksandar Vučić announced his resignation as president of Serbia on 27 September 2026. — Confirmed by the Serbian government and Reuters. source
- confirmed Ana Brnabić will become acting president. — Mentioned in the Serbian government’s official statement. source
- confirmed The early parliamentary elections are scheduled for 25 October 2026. — Confirmed in the official election announcement. source
- confirmed Vučić wants to take part in the election campaign as an ordinary citizen. — Stated in the official resignation statement. source
- confirmed Vučić could become prime minister if his party forms a new government. — Reuters describes this political possibility. source
- confirmed Vučić had already announced in June that he wanted to step down within a few weeks. — Confirmed by AP. source
Editor's note
The resignation, Ana Brnabić’s acting role and the election dates have been confirmed by the Serbian government. Reuters confirms Vučić’s possible move to the premiership; the eventual coalition and presidential candidates remain uncertain.Sources
- President of Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić resigns — Government of Serbia
- Serbia’s President Vucic resigns ahead of October parliamentary elections — Reuters via Internazionale
- Serbia's populist President Vucic says he will resign within weeks as election nears — AP News
More on this in Dutch media
- AD — „servië aleksandar vučić”
- de Volkskrant — „servië aleksandar vučić”
- RTL Nieuws — „servië aleksandar vučić”