Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić on Saturday announced that he will resign in the near future, paving the way for early presidential and parliamentary ‌elections.

“These are my last days and weeks as the republic’s president. After that, I will resign,” Vučić told supporters of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) at a rally in Belgrade on Saturday, according to media reports. His second and final mandate was due to expire in 2027.

His announcement came amid persistent student-led anti-corruption demonstrations, which have been demanding early elections since the deaths of 16 people when a railway station roof collapsed in Novi Sad in November 2024, with frequent violent clashes between police and protesters.

“In the upcoming elections, if the party wants that and asks for it, together with you, I will help win people’s trust,” he said in an address broadcast live by most of Serbia’s leading television channels.

He did not specify the date of his resignation or when the new elections will be held.

Vučić who has been in power as ‌president or prime minister for 12 years. Serbia has been a candidate for EU membership since 2012.

-Politico