On the evening of September 27 local time, Serbian President Vucic announced his resignation from the presidency. In his speech to bid farewell to the presidency, he mentioned China specifically during his foreign policy discussions, expressing gratitude to “Chinese friends” for their significant assistance to Serbia over the past period.
According to Serbian National Television (RTS), Vucic signed his resignation and delivered a national speech on that day. He stated that in the past few years, it has not been easy for Serbia to maintain its foreign policy stance amidst complex international circumstances, and it will be the same in the future.
Vucic cited an example: during the past four and a half years, when he attended European meetings, he was often asked why Serbia did not impose sanctions against Russia.
When discussing relations with other major nations, he stated that Chinese friends have provided Serbia with much assistance; Serbia has also initiated strategic dialogues with the United States and maintains close ties with France and others. He hopes to leave a good diplomatic foundation for the future Serbian government and the new president.
On September 27, in Belgrade, Serbia, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic delivered a resignation speech at a press conference held at the Presidential Palace. Visual China
And not long before this resignation speech, Vucic also attended a Chinese National Day reception held in Belgrade that day, and left behind some words of farewell regarding Sino-Serbian relations.
According to the Serbian newspaper Politika, published on the 27th, Vucic said at the reception that this was his last day as President of Serbia. However, the strategic partnership between Serbia and China, as well as the friendship between the two countries' peoples, 'goes beyond any position, term of office, or time.'
This connection will be long-lasting and unshakable, and we shall continue to cherish it. Wuchichi said with great honor that he was happy to participate in the Chinese National Day reception, as China had reached out in its most difficult times in Serbia, and the two countries have built a "ironclad friendship" over many years.
Vukic also recalled his previous visits to China and expressed gratitude for the contributions made by Chinese companies through investment and construction to Serbia's development. He stated that he believes the friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries will continue to develop in the future.
Vucic was elected as the president of Serbia for the first time in 2017 and was re-elected successfully in 2022. He would originally have only completed his second presidential term next year, and Serbian constitution does not allow a president to serve a third term.
Vucic’s early resignation does not mean he will step down from politics. Reuters notes that Vucic’s departure from the presidency also prepares the way for him to take on the role of prime minister. If his Serbian Progressive Party succeeds in forming a government after the parliamentary elections on October 25th, he could potentially become the prime minister. Vucic himself has expressed his desire to participate in this election as an “ordinary citizen”.
This election is also seen by foreign media as an important political test for Vucic in recent years. In November 2024, a collapse of the canopy at the Novi Sad railway station in northern Serbia led to 16 deaths, followed by large-scale protests that have continued until now. The protesters targeted corruption and government governance issues.
According to Reuters, this student-led protest has lasted for nearly two years and has become an important factor in pushing for early parliamentary elections. However, the Vucic government denies accusations of corruption and suppressing protesters.
Currently, Vučic has been elected as the leader of the electoral list for the parliament elections and as the candidate for Prime Minister by the Serbian Progressive Party. Rasa Nedeljkov from the Serbian polling agency CRTA stated that after nearly two years of anti-government protests, this election will serve as a test of Vučic’s popularity.
