Serbia’s Prime Minister Milos Vucevic Steps Down, Setting 30-Day Deadline for New Government or Early Election

Serbia’s Prime Minister, Milos Vucevic, officially resigned on Wednesday, triggering 30 days for the formation of a new government or the calling of early elections. Vucevic, the leader of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and a close ally of President Aleksandar Vucic, stepped down on January 28 following protests that were sparked by the collapse of an awning at a train station in Novi Sad last November, which led to the deaths of 15 people. Over 100,000 people gathered in Belgrade on Saturday, marking one of the largest protests in recent decades. Demonstrators claim that the train disaster is a result of widespread corruption and mismanagement, although the government denies these allegations.
Under the country’s constitution, President Vucic has 30 days to propose a new prime minister to lead the government until the next scheduled parliamentary and presidential elections in 2027. Parliamentary speaker Ana Brnabic announced, “The Serbian parliament has acknowledged the resignation of the Prime Minister, and the government mandate ends. The deadline to form a new government is April 18 at midnight.”
If President Vucic fails to propose a new prime minister within the set timeframe, a snap election must take place within 45 to 60 days. The parliamentary session, which began on March 4 and concluded with Vucevic’s resignation, has been marked by protests and violence as opposition lawmakers have rallied against the government and in support of the students demonstrating on the streets.
The protests, which began in Novi Sad last November, have since spread across the country, challenging Vucic’s long-standing control, as he has been in power as prime minister since 2014 and president since 2017. While a December poll showed the SNS with strong support, public sentiment has shifted in recent months. Opposition parties have called for an interim government without the SNS, rejecting the idea of an early election, which Vucic has repeatedly dismissed.