KRALJEVO — Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced on June 28, 2026, that he would step down within weeks. Vucic stated his resignation is intended to pave the way for early presidential and parliamentary elections.

The announcement occurred as thousands of protesters gathered in Kraljevo, Serbia, on June 28, 2026. Banners at the protest displayed the message "Students are winning," and participants waved Serbian flags.

Vucic has held positions as either prime minister or president for 12 years. His resignation follows student-led protests that began in late 2024 after a concrete awning collapsed at a railway station in Novi Sad, resulting in 16 fatalities. The current demonstrations represent the largest protests in Serbia since the overthrow of Slobodan Milosevic in 2000.

Marko Djokic, an IT expert, expressed skepticism regarding the announcement, stating, "I cannot imagine that he will step down and leave power to someone else." Similarly, Ilija Cordasic commented, "We cannot go on like this, things need to change." Vucic denies any allegations of corruption.

The European Union has condemned the use of force against peaceful protesters in Serbia. The EU has also voiced concerns regarding press freedom and the independence of the judiciary in the country.

Why It Matters

Serbia is a candidate to join the European Union, a process that requires the country to improve its rule of law, ensure free and fair elections, and address corruption and organized crime. Additionally, Serbia must align its foreign policies with the EU bloc and establish relations with Kosovo. Serbia currently maintains strong ties with Russia and China.