Serbian president says to submit resignation on Sept 27

BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said Monday that he would submit his resignation on Sept 27 and then campaign as an ordinary citizen for the post of prime minister during the Balkan state's snap parliamentary elections scheduled for Oct 25.

Vucic made the remarks when appearing on the Serbian broadcaster Pink TV.

"I will address the people that evening, thanking them for their support. I have also been the president of the Republic for the longest time since the multi-party system was established in our country. I could not have done it without the citizens of this country," Vucic added.

He also said that he would, as an ordinary citizen, run for prime minister, adding that he planned to visit remote villages and urban areas and talk to people.

On Sept 5, the Main Board of Serbia's ruling Serbian Progressive Party nominated Vucic as the lead candidate on its parliamentary election list and as its candidate for prime minister. Vucic signed a decree dissolving parliament on Sept 9 and called snap parliamentary elections for Oct 25.

Vucic served as Serbia's prime minister from 2014 to 2017. He was elected president in 2017 and re-elected in 2022. His current presidential term is due to end in May 2027. Under Serbia's Constitution, the president may serve a maximum of two five-year terms.