Serbian President Vucic steps down ahead of parliamentary election
Aleksandar Vucic resigned as Serbia's president on Sunday, clearing the way to run for prime minister after the October 25 parliamentary election. His second presidential term would have ended next May regardless, and the constitution bars him from a third term.
Aleksandar Vucic, who has led Serbia as either prime minister or president since 2014, formally resigned the presidency on Sunday. The move comes ahead of a snap parliamentary election on October 25, in which Vucic hopes to formally pursue the post of prime minister if his right-wing populist Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) wins.
Under Serbia's constitution, Vucic is barred from seeking a third presidential term in any case, and his current term would otherwise have expired in May next year.
Farewell in Belgrade
Hundreds of supporters waving flags gathered outside the Presidency building in central Belgrade to see him off. "This is the last evening for me in this building," he told the crowd. "I have faithfully served you and my fatherland, Serbia... I am proud of what we have done together," he said.
What happens next
Under the constitution, outgoing parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic will act as interim president until a successor is elected. A presidential election must be held within 90 days, with a campaign period of 30 to 60 days. Vucic said the first round of the presidential vote could take place by the end of December.
In next month's parliamentary election, Vucic's SNS and its allies face Students Win, a student-led anti-corruption movement, and European Serbia, an alliance of pro-Western opposition parties. Those parties and others have yet to name their presidential candidates.
