"""

How will Serbia's election calendar work after the resignation?

The process for early elections in Serbia has officially begun with President Aleksandar Vučić's resignation. The decision, announced amid more than a year of student-led demonstrations and corruption allegations in government, means the country will hold both parliamentary and presidential elections before the end of the year.

Speaking to supporters outside the presidential building in Belgrade, Vučić said they had preserved peace and stability during his nine years in office. He had announced his intention to resign in June, and under the constitution he cannot run for a third term as president; however, he is still expected to emerge as his party's candidate for prime minister in the upcoming parliamentary election.

What was the turning point that widened the protests?

The most visible flashpoint was the collapse of the roof at the Novi Sad train station, which killed 16 people. Opposition figures and protesters argued that the tragedy was not just an accident, but the result of long-standing irregularities and negligence. The station renovation had also been presented as a showcase of progress under Vučić's administration.

How did the protests expand?

What began with students grew into a broader social movement joined by teachers, workers and farmers. Resignations on the government side did not calm the protests; demonstrations continued through the summer and became even more tense after allegations of heavy-handed police action.

  • The protests focused on allegations of corruption in government and rule-bending.
  • Activists also added a demand for early elections to their main list of demands.

Who will contest the vote, and who will run the transition?

Vučić's term was due to end next year, but the constitution requires a presidential election within three months of a resignation. Under that timeline, the early parliamentary election planned for the end of October will be followed by the presidential vote a little more than a month later. Until a new president is elected, Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić will serve in an acting capacity.

Main players in the election race

  • Progressive Party: Vučić, as the party leader, plans to run for prime minister in the parliamentary election.
  • Students Win: The student-led anti-corruption movement aims to channel public anger at the government into the ballot box.
  • Europe for Serbia: A coalition of pro-Western opposition parties will also take part in the race.

According to Serbian public broadcaster RTS, Vučić used his pardon powers for 49 people linked to charges related to events over the past year and a half; 23 of them were students. Vučić, who became prime minister in 2014 and president in 2017, has promoted Serbia's EU membership on one hand while building close ties with Russia and opening the door to Chinese investment on the other.

"""