Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic formally submitted his resignation on September 28, 2026, concluding his presidency under Article 116, paragraph 5 of Serbia’s Constitution. The move, confirmed during a public statement, marked the end of his second five-year term, which began with his 2017 election and re-election in 2022. Vucic, who served as defense minister, first deputy prime minister, and prime minister prior to his presidency, emphasized the resignation would not require parliamentary approval, as per constitutional provisions. His departure follows the dissolution of the Serbian parliament on September 9, which limited legislative powers while the government continued functioning until a new administration is formed.
The National Assembly’s Speaker, Ana Brnabic, assumed presidential duties for up to three months and is obligated to organize a presidential election within that period. Vucic also announced his intention to participate in the snap parliamentary elections scheduled for October 25 as an ordinary citizen. The Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), which nominated him as its prime ministerial candidate on September 5, will lead the electoral campaign. The party’s dominance in the upcoming vote could shape the trajectory of Serbia’s political landscape, with Vucic’s exit creating a power vacuum in the ruling coalition.
Under Serbia’s constitutional framework, the acting president will consult elected representatives to propose a prime minister candidate to the National Assembly. This candidate must then present a government program and cabinet members, requiring majority approval from lawmakers. The process, outlined in the Law on the President, ensures a structured transition even amid political upheaval. Vucic’s resignation comes amid ongoing debates over governance, with the dissolved parliament’s limited authority highlighting the urgency of electoral reforms and institutional stability.
Vucic’s departure underscores the complexities of Serbia’s political system, where executive and legislative powers intersect. His resignation, while legally straightforward, raises questions about the future of the SNS and the country’s alignment with regional and international dynamics. The upcoming elections will test the party’s ability to maintain influence, while Brnabic’s interim role will shape the immediate political environment. As Serbia navigates this transition, the focus remains on ensuring a smooth handover of power and adherence to constitutional procedures.