President Aleksandar Vučić of Serbia abruptly announced his resignation, not with a tear, but dancing and hosting a celebration at the presidential palace—drinking, singing, even serenading political rivals. Is this not a highly theatrical exit?
Do not be misled by appearances. This is not a retreat, but a strategic shift to maintain power through a different path. By stepping down as president, he aims to run in the parliamentary election on October 25 as a "private citizen," with one clear objective: return to office as prime minister after the vote.
Under Serbia’s constitution, the president holds symbolic authority over foreign affairs, defense, and representation, while the prime minister wields real executive power in day-to-day governance. Over recent years, who served as prime minister has been secondary—the decisive figure has always been Vučić, the undisputed leader of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party. When he was prime minister, power resided in the prime minister’s office; when he became president, influence followed him to the presidential palace—following a pattern reminiscent of Russia’s past “Medvedev-Putin tandem.”
Resigning has not cost him power—it has freed him from the constraints of presidential “political neutrality” and allowed him to fully focus on electoral mobilization. Recent polling shows the Progressive Party leading with over 47% support, securing a dominant position. A victory would enable him to form a government and return seamlessly to the role of prime minister—an office without the constitutional two-term limit that binds the presidency.
In essence, Vučić is not stepping away in triumph, but advancing through withdrawal. With only seven months left in his presidential term, he risks becoming an obstacle. Early resignation allows him to retain control over the political trajectory. Within a month, “Prime Minister Vučić” may well be back in charge.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1877631285275659/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.