President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić has announced that he will resign as head of state on 27 September. He announced this during a live broadcast on TV Pink. Vučić said that he would address the public that evening and thank them for their support throughout his presidency. Vučić immediately clarified that, after stepping down, he would embark on an election campaign, whilst Reuters reports that he intends to stand for the post of Prime Minister in the snap parliamentary elections on 25 October.
- Aleksandar Vučić will resign on 27 September.
- He described himself as Serbia’s longest-serving president.
- Following his resignation, Vučić will continue his election campaign.
- Early parliamentary elections will take place on 25 October.
Vučić has announced the exact date of his resignation
During an appearance on TV Pink, Vučić stated that On 27 September, he will officially step down from the presidency.
He noted that he had served as president for the longest period in Serbia’s history and thanked the citizens for the opportunity to lead the country.
«I have served the citizens of Serbia faithfully — diligently, devotedly and persistently — and then I will leave as an ordinary citizen,» Vučić said.
The politician also announced a series of televised debates with his opponents and stated that, following his resignation, he intends to travel around the country in person, visiting towns and remote villages during the election campaign.
Vučić is not leaving politics
Despite the wording regarding a return to the status of an «ordinary citizen», Vucic is, in fact, preparing for a new phase in his political career.
Reuters reports that he intends to stand as a candidate for the post of Prime Minister of Serbia in the snap parliamentary elections scheduled for 25 October 2026. Vučić or his political allies have been in power in the country for around 12 years.
Vučić himself stated that he would be dissatisfied with a result for his political party of fewer than 50% votes. He also promised to concede defeat if the count showed his opponents had won.
Early elections are to be held in Serbia
In early September, Vučić dissolved parliament and called a snap election for 25 October — more than a year before the end of the scheduled parliamentary term.
The decision was taken against the backdrop of prolonged anti-government protests, which began following the collapse of a canopy at the railway station in Novi Sad in November 2024. Sixteen people were killed in the incident, and the tragedy sparked large-scale student and anti-corruption demonstrations.
The opposition accuses Vučić’s government of corruption, putting pressure on the media and concentrating power. The President and his allies deny these allegations.
Vučić had already spoken of resigning back in the summer
Back on 27 June, Vučić stated that he would step down from the presidency «within a few weeks» and that Serbia was set to hold early presidential and parliamentary elections.
Analysts had already suggested at the time that his resignation will not mean a departure from power, whilst Vučić will attempt to return to the post of Prime Minister. It is precisely this scenario that is currently being effectively confirmed by his statements regarding his participation in the campaign.
So, 27 September may mark the end of Aleksandar Vučić’s presidential phase of his political career, but he will continue his struggle for power as part of the parliamentary campaign.
