Serbian President Vučić Resigns Amid Protests, Plans Parliament Bid

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced his resignation on Sunday, concluding over nine years in the presidential office and a dominant period in Serbian politics. Vučić, who previously served as Prime Minister, has been in power since 2014. His resignation paves the way for early presidential elections.

Vučić has declared his intention to run for Prime Minister in the parliamentary elections scheduled for October 25th. His departure from the presidency follows nearly two years of widespread protests against his rule. The demonstrations initially sparked by a deadly train station disaster in Novi Sad in November 2024, which claimed 16 lives due to a concrete roof collapse, evolved into a broader movement against alleged corruption, lack of transparency, and accountability.

The protests, initially led by students and later joined by teachers, farmers, and other groups, saw a massive demonstration in Belgrade in March 2025 with over 100,000 participants. Vučić has consistently denied the accusations, suggesting foreign actors are attempting to destabilize his government.

Vučić's tenure has also been marked by recurring tensions in the Balkans. In May 2023, he ordered the Serbian army to increase its readiness and move forces toward the border following clashes in northern Kosovo. Concurrently, Serbia has pursued a complex foreign policy, officially seeking European Union membership while maintaining close ties with Russia and China. Vučić faced Western criticism for visiting Moscow in May 2025 and meeting with Vladimir Putin.

In recent years, Israel has emerged as a significant security partner for Belgrade. Serbia acquired advanced artillery rocket systems and Hermes drones from Elbit Systems in early 2025 for $335 million, followed by another deal worth approximately $1.6 billion later that year for long-range missiles, drones, and electronic warfare systems. Vučić confirmed Serbia's export of ammunition and military equipment to Israel. He also announced the opening of a factory in Serbia for assembling Israeli-designed drones, with plans for at least three more such facilities, aiming to bolster Serbia's military and technological capabilities.