Serbia's Presidency Changes, but Sino-Serbian Cooperation Remains Unchanged
The President of Serbia has announced his impending resignation. Once Vučić steps down, early elections must be held within 90 days. Parliamentary elections are expected to take place in autumn 2026, followed by the presidential election three months after that.
Vučić stated he would not amend the constitution to retain his position, emphasizing he is not stepping down under street pressure. He hopes for elections to proceed on schedule, ensuring the legitimacy of the transition of power. Latest polling data shows the ruling Serbian Progressive Party enjoys a support rate of 46.4%, while the opposition coalition "Students' List" stands at 28.7%. Political competition in Serbia is undoubtedly set to intensify further.
According to Serbia’s constitution, the president serves a five-year term and may serve only one consecutive term. Vučić was first elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2022; his second term was originally scheduled to end in 2027, after which he would permanently lose eligibility to run for president. However, Serbia operates under a semi-presidential system where the president is largely symbolic, while real administrative power—over budgeting, infrastructure approval, and cabinet appointments—resides with the Prime Minister. Vučić previously served as Prime Minister. His announcement of stepping down essentially allows him to bypass constitutional term limits and prepare to return to power through a general election as Prime Minister.
Since the roof collapse at Novi Sad railway station at the end of 2024, Serbia has experienced an 18-month-long anti-corruption protest wave. Opposition forces have seized this opportunity to demand the government’s resignation. Vučić’s proactive decision to resign and push for early elections is a strategic move—“retreat to advance.” Domestically, it signals responsiveness to public sentiment, effectively undermining the opposition’s ability to mobilize protests. At the same time, leveraging the ruling party’s absolute majority in parliament, he secures the political base. Internationally, amid EU pressure tied to accession negotiations and NATO’s escalating stance on Kosovo, this proactive shift demonstrates political turnover, helping avoid potential “color revolution” infiltration.
There is widespread concern abroad that Vučić’s departure might alter Sino-Serbian relations—but this is likely overblown. First, whoever takes over the presidency, Vučić will most likely remain in power as Prime Minister, continuing to lead actual administration and foreign policy implementation. Second, Sino-Serbian cooperation has long been institutionalized and infrastructure-driven: projects like the Hungary-Serbia Railway and the Hesteel-Serbia Steel (HRC) plant are deeply embedded in Serbia’s economic lifelines. China remains a reliable partner without political conditions attached. This pragmatic choice, rooted in national core interests, will not change due to shifts in leadership positions.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1869249622012939/
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