The resignation announcement follows roughly 18 months of anti-corruption protests sparked by a 2024 Novi Sad train canopy collapse that killed 16 people, cited by protesters as evidence of mismanagement.

Protests accuse the government of mismanagement, corruption, violence against opponents, ties to organized crime, and media suppression; the president and allies deny these charges.

The Serbian president announces his resignation but says he will stay on for a few more weeks as early presidential and parliamentary elections are anticipated, signaling a potential shift in leadership without immediate departure.

Analysts expect he will appoint a loyal successor or ally to preserve influence, with a possibility of returning as prime minister if his party wins the parliamentary vote.

A nationwide wave of protests began with university occupations and has grown, with authorities accusing demonstrators of foreign meddling while critics allege the judiciary has been compromised to shield officials.

He has previously accused protesters of foreign influence and did not specify a concrete resignation date or successor plan, fueling uncertainty about the transition.

Rallies in Belgrade featured a symbolic one-tonne flag and performances like humanoid robots, underscoring themes of unity and tech progress.

Opposition and student groups are organizing counter-rallies, including gatherings in Kraljevo to demand early elections and national unity.

Opposition parties and student movements vow to participate actively in upcoming elections and challenge the president’s party.

Serbia’s EU bid context, ongoing ties with Russia and China, and the push to improve rule of law and anti-corruption measures frame the political backdrop for the resignation.

The announcement occurs amid a balancing act between EU accession criteria and relations with Moscow and Beijing, with officials pledging reforms while critics say media freedoms are under pressure.

International reaction includes EU concerns over press freedom and judiciary independence, with Serbia facing conditions tied to EU membership and governance reforms.