LONDON — President Aleksandar Vučić announced his resignation on 27 September 2026, ending a tenure that began in 2017 and was renewed in 2022. The move follows a sustained wave of anti‑corruption protests that began in late 2024 and intensified after a series of high‑profile investigations into state contracts and public procurement. Vučić’s departure is expected to trigger early parliamentary elections, scheduled for 15 November 2026, according to the Serbian constitution.
Background of the Protests
In October 2024, a coalition of opposition parties and civil society groups staged weekly demonstrations in front of the National Assembly. Protesters demanded the dismissal of several ministers and the establishment of an independent anti‑corruption commission. The protests grew in size after the European Court of Human Rights ruled in 2025 that Serbia had violated due process in the prosecution of a former minister for alleged embezzlement.
Vučić’s administration faced criticism for a series of pardons issued in early September 2026. According to reports, the president granted clemency to 49 individuals, including former officials linked to the corruption investigations, 49 hours before announcing his resignation. The timing of the pardons drew sharp rebuke from opposition leaders, who argued that the moves were an attempt to shield allies from prosecution.
Resignation and Constitutional Implications
In a televised address, Vučić cited “personal reasons” for stepping down, but the statement was accompanied by a formal letter to the National Assembly. The letter, delivered on 27 September, invoked Article 84 of the Serbian Constitution, which allows the president to resign by submitting a written notice to the Assembly. The resignation was accepted by the Assembly on the same day, and the Speaker, Aleksandar Vulin, announced that the president’s term would end immediately.
The constitution also mandates that the Assembly convene within 30 days of a presidential vacancy to elect a new president or, if the vacancy occurs more than 90 days before the next scheduled parliamentary election, to call for early elections. Vučić’s resignation falls within the latter scenario, prompting the Assembly to set a date for new elections on 15 November.
Political Aftermath
Vučić’s party, the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), has already begun selecting a new candidate. Sources close to the party say that the selection will be made through an internal vote scheduled for early October. The opposition, meanwhile, has called for a coalition of parties to contest the upcoming elections, arguing that a unified front is necessary to counter the SNS’s long‑standing dominance.
International observers note that the early elections could reshape Serbia’s relationship with the European Union. The EU has repeatedly urged Serbia to strengthen its anti‑corruption framework as a precondition for accession talks. The resignation of Vučić, a key figure in Serbia’s EU negotiations, may accelerate reforms, but analysts warn that the political instability could also delay progress.
Reactions from Key Stakeholders
The opposition leader, Zoran Milanović, described the resignation as a “turning point” for Serbia’s democratic institutions. He added that the new elections would provide an opportunity for voters to choose a government that prioritises transparency.
Internationally, the European Commission’s spokesperson for enlargement said that Serbia’s “commitment to reform remains crucial” and that the Commission would monitor the upcoming elections closely. The United States Department of State issued a statement expressing support for a peaceful transition of power and the rule of law.
Future Outlook
With the early elections set for 15 November, political parties are already mobilising campaign teams. Analysts predict a highly competitive race, with the opposition coalition expected to challenge the SNS’s long‑standing electoral advantage. The outcome will likely influence Serbia’s trajectory towards EU membership and its domestic governance reforms.
