Serbian President Vučić Resigns Amid Protests, Plans Parliament Bid

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced his resignation on Sunday, concluding over nine years in office and a period of dominance in Serbian politics. Vučić, who previously served as Prime Minister, has been in power since 2014. His departure paves the way for early presidential elections. Vučić has already declared his intention to run for Prime Minister in the parliamentary elections scheduled for October 25.

The resignation follows nearly two years of widespread protests against his rule, which initially erupted after a deadly train station disaster in Novi Sad in November 2024, claiming 16 lives due to a concrete roof collapse. Students spearheaded the protests, later joined by teachers, farmers, and other groups. Demonstrators transformed the disaster into a symbol of alleged government corruption, lack of transparency, and accountability. A major protest in Belgrade in March 2025 saw over 100,000 participants, with subsequent months marked by arrests and clashes between protesters and police. Vučić has refuted these claims, suggesting foreign actors are attempting to destabilize his government.

Vučić's tenure has also been characterized by recurring tensions in the Balkans. In May 2023, following clashes in northern Kosovo, he ordered the Serbian army to raise its alert level and move forces toward the border. While officially seeking European Union membership and cooperating with NATO, Serbia has maintained close ties with Russia and China. Vučić faced Western criticism for visiting Moscow in May 2025 and meeting with Vladimir Putin.

Israel has emerged as a significant security partner for Belgrade in recent years. In early 2025, Serbia reportedly purchased PULS rocket artillery systems and Hermes drones from Elbit Systems for $335 million. Later that year, further Israeli equipment, including long-range missiles, drones, and electronic warfare systems, was acquired in a deal valued at approximately $1.6 billion. Vučić confirmed Serbia's export of ammunition and military equipment to Israel. This modernization drive also includes arms purchases from France and China. Just ten days prior, Vučić announced the opening of a factory in Serbia for assembling advanced drones of Israeli design, expected to employ around 100 workers and supply systems to both the Serbian military and other nations. Vučić stated that Serbia and its Israeli partners plan to open at least three more factories, positioning this drone cooperation as part of Serbia's ambition to become a more significant regional military and technological power.