President Aleksandar Vucic announced at a pro-government rally in Belgrade that he will resign his post within a couple of weeks. This move paves the way for early presidential and parliamentary elections later this year, though Vucic's current mandate was not set to expire until mid-2027.
Vucic, who has held power as either president or prime minister for 12 years, stated the resignation is intended to help his political party win the early elections. This strategy would potentially allow him to remain in power by serving as prime minister if his party prevails in the ballot.
The announcement follows months of antigovernment pressure and a year and a half of student-led anti-corruption protests that have swept across the country calling for snap general elections. The populist leader's decision also comes amid demonstrations sparked by the deadly collapse of an awning at a train station.
Thousands of protesters are expected to descend on the city of Kraljevo on Sunday. Despite the president's statements, some demonstrators doubt that Vucic is truly surrendering power after 12 years in charge.