Serbian President Vučić Resigns Unexpectedly to Run in Elections

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced his resignation on the evening of September 27, signing the official document during a televised address to the nation. Vučić stated his intention to run in the upcoming parliamentary elections as a regular citizen, explaining that he wanted to participate in the campaign without the privileges of the presidential office. He is scheduled to transfer his presidential powers to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ana Brnabić, on September 28.

Vučić's decision comes after nearly two years of widespread protests demanding his resignation, which began following a tragic building collapse in Novi Sad on November 1, 2024, that killed 16 people. Protesters accused the government of corruption and inaction, calling for a transparent investigation and accountability. These protests escalated into a significant political crisis during Vučić's tenure.

In response to the demands, Vučić had previously agreed to early parliamentary elections, now scheduled for October 25. He expressed frustration that opposition representatives refused to debate him on public television, likening their approach to hitting a "punching bag" rather than engaging in democratic discourse. Vučić acknowledged making mistakes during his presidency but emphasized his dedication and hard work, stating he had few personal days off in 15 years and prioritized serving his people and country.

Reflecting on his foreign policy, Vučić described his European engagements as "tormenting" due to constant questions about why Serbia had not imposed sanctions on Russia. He detailed the complexities of balancing relations with Moscow, Brussels, Washington, and Beijing, noting Serbia's condemnation of the invasion of Ukraine at the UN while maintaining close ties with Russia and its reliance on Russian gas. He also highlighted Serbia's efforts to maintain peace and stability amidst global conflicts like the pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

Serbia's relationship with Israel has notably strengthened under Vučić's leadership. Belgrade continued supplying ammunition to Israel after October 7, despite pressure from the EU. Vučić hosted Israeli President Isaac Herzog in September 2024, discussing enhanced cooperation in trade, technology, and investment. Serbia has also made significant defense purchases from Israel, including artillery systems and drones, and announced joint production of combat drones in April 2026, with a drone assembly plant opening in Serbia on September 17.

Vučić has often spoken about the shared tragic history of the Serbian and Jewish peoples during World War II, opposing antisemitism and supporting Holocaust remembrance initiatives.