According to the Serbian newspaper 'Politički List' on the 21st, Serbian President Vucic revealed on the 20th that the Serbian government would resign first, and then he would announce the postponement of parliamentary elections. After continuing to serve as president for at most two weeks, he would step down from his presidency and run for election, aiming to become the Prime Minister of the government.
The Parliament is the highest authority of Serbia, operating as a unicameral body. The candidate for Prime Minister is proposed by the President and elected through a vote in Parliament. The President, as the head of state, primarily fulfills the duties prescribed by the constitution.
Currently, the ruling coalition led by the Serbian Progressive Party holds a majority of seats in the National Assembly. Vucic stated that although it is legally possible for him to become prime minister without holding elections, he would not choose this path. He emphasized that “only if the people elect me, can I become prime minister.”
Vukcevic added that he would announce early parliamentary elections if the government resigns or if parliament confirms that the government loses its majority. He will only engage in campaign activities after fulfilling his presidential duties.
He told the reporter that he would participate in the campaign as an ordinary citizen, without security personnel, and drive across various parts of Serbia to gain public support, in order to potentially obtain the position of Prime Minister.
Vucic served as the Prime Minister of Serbia from 2014 to 2017. Subsequently, he was elected president in April 2017 and re-elected in May 2022. According to Serbian constitution, the presidential term is five years, with the possibility of re-election. Vucic's second and final presidential term was scheduled to end in mid-2027.
In an interview with Belgrade radio last month, Vucic said that he plans to resign as president, and presidential elections may take place within the next 3 to 4 months.
Reuters previously stated that Vucic is unlikely to step down from politics. If his party wins the parliamentary elections, his resignation could pave the way for him to become prime minister.
Analysts say that Vucic may appoint one of his allies as president. “This is not the end of Vucic,” said Radivoje Grujic, an analyst in Warsaw. “He has a plan, and this plan definitely does not mean that he will step down from politics—quite the opposite.”
