BELGRADE — President Aleksandar Vucic announced his resignation on 27 September 2026, ending a four‑year tenure that began in 2022. The decision follows months of nationwide protests that accused the administration of widespread corruption and cronyism.
Resignation amid sustained protests
Vucic, a member of the Serbian Progressive Party, had faced growing public dissent since early 2024. Demonstrators demanded the removal of officials linked to the president’s inner circle and called for comprehensive anti‑corruption reforms. The protests, which reached a peak in July 2026, were largely peaceful but attracted significant media attention and international scrutiny.
In a statement released by the presidential office, Vucic said he was stepping down “to allow the country to move forward” and that he would remain in the country for the remainder of the day to attend a final meeting with the cabinet. The resignation was effective immediately, and the office confirmed that the president would vacate the palace by 10:00 a.m. the following day.
Pardons issued before departure
According to an independent report by Sahara Reporters, Vucic granted 49 pardons 49 hours before announcing his resignation. The pardons were issued to a mix of political figures, business leaders and former officials who had been under investigation for corruption, money‑laundering and abuse of office. The move was described by the report as a last‑minute attempt to mitigate the impact of the resignation on the political establishment.
No official statement from the president’s office confirmed the number of pardons or the identities of the recipients. The Ministry of Justice has not released a list of the pardoned individuals.
Political fallout and early elections
The Serbian constitution allows for early parliamentary elections if the president resigns and the National Assembly does not elect a successor within 30 days. The Assembly has already begun the process of convening a special session to appoint a new president. If no successor is chosen, the country will hold elections for the National Assembly and a new president within 60 days of the resignation.
Opposition leaders have called for a swift election timetable, arguing that the current political climate demands fresh leadership. The Serbian Progressive Party has expressed uncertainty about its future direction, with several senior members indicating that they will seek a new candidate for the upcoming elections.
International reaction
European Union officials welcomed the resignation as a step toward addressing corruption concerns that have long affected Serbia’s EU accession talks. A spokesperson for the EU delegation in Belgrade said the resignation “provides an opportunity for Serbia to demonstrate its commitment to democratic reforms.”
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) also released a statement noting that the resignation could help improve Serbia’s standing in international anti‑corruption initiatives. No direct statements were made by the UNODC regarding the specific details of the resignation or the pardons.
Next steps for Serbia
The National Assembly is scheduled to convene on 5 October to elect a new president. If no candidate secures a majority in the first round, a runoff will be held on 12 October. The early parliamentary elections are expected to be held no later than 30 November 2026, according to the constitutional provisions.
Vucic’s resignation marks a significant shift in Serbian politics, ending a period of relative stability under his leadership. The upcoming elections will likely reshape the political landscape and determine whether Serbia can move past the corruption allegations that have plagued the country for years.
