Vučić resigns as Serbia’s president ahead of early parliamentary election

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has resigned from office and announced that parliamentary elections will be held on October 25, while presidential elections are expected to take place by the end of December.

Vučić’s second presidential term was otherwise due to end in May next year. He is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term and said he was stepping down to lead his right-wing Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) in the upcoming parliamentary election, Caliber.Az reports via Serbian media.

In an address, Vučić highlighted the government’s achievements since 2012, including a reduction in public debt, employment growth and the construction of roads and factories.

He said Serbia must preserve peace and protect its national interests and the people of Kosovo and Metohija, while continuing economic development and investment in innovation.

The new acting president will be Ana Brnabić, a close Vučić ally and former prime minister who is the outgoing speaker of parliament. Once a new parliament is elected, the new speaker will take over from Brnabić, appoint the prime minister and schedule a presidential vote.

By Sabina Mammadli