BELGRADE, June 28 — Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has told a large pro-government rally in the capital that he will step down within weeks, triggering early presidential and parliamentary elections for the Balkan nation. “I will be president for only a couple of weeks, and then I will resign,” Vucic told the crowd of supporters gathered in Belgrade. His early departure cuts short his second and final presidential mandate, which had been set to run until mid-2027.
Despite resigning the presidency, Vucic made clear he intends to remain deeply involved in Serbian political life. He told supporters he plans to help the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) campaign in the upcoming elections — if the party wants his help.
He also proposed the party’s electoral list be named “United Serbia,” saying he would campaign under that banner. Vucic did not give specific dates for his formal resignation or for dissolving the national parliament, which is a constitutional step required before early parliamentary elections can be called. But the timing matches earlier signals.
On June 11, he indicated he would eventually resign and that early elections would follow within three to four months. At that time, he explicitly ruled out holding the vote in July or August, arguing the summer holiday season is wrong for national elections.
Security and energy under strain
This political transition unfolds against a backdrop of heightened regional tension and energy pressures. The source material notes “heightened security and energy tensions” but provides no further specifics. The coming weeks will show whether Vucic’s resignation proceeds on the timeline he described, and whether his plan to campaign under a “United Serbia” banner reshapes the political landscape.
For now, Serbian voters — and the region watching closely — are waiting for dates and details.
