Serbia’s populist president Aleksandar Vučić resigns to run for prime minister
Vučić not allowed to seek third presidential term and election will test his grip on rule after widespread protests
TL;DR
- President Aleksandar Vučić of Serbia has resigned to run for Prime Minister in an upcoming early parliamentary election.
- His resignation is prompted by constitutional term limits and a desire to lead his Serbian Progressive party (SNS).
- A youth-backed movement, stemming from protests after a deadly train station canopy collapse, is challenging the SNS.
- The movement demands accountability for the tragedy and opposes alleged corruption and the SNS's 14-year tenure.
- Vučić has been actively campaigning, opening new infrastructure and offering financial assistance.
- Critics accuse Vučić and the SNS of corruption, organized crime links, and suppressing democratic freedoms.
- Serbia's EU accession efforts have stalled due to democratic backsliding and refusal to sanction Russia.
- Ana Brnabić, an ally of Vučić, will serve as acting president.