Formally stepping down as president, Vučić confronts the EU head-on: The real battle has only just begun

"The real battle has only just begun, and even without being president, we can still win."

This was Vučić’s final message to the nation before formally resigning. He then signed his resignation letter, ending his presidential term ahead of schedule.

On Monday local time, Vučić officially handed over power to the Speaker of Parliament. Under the constitution, the Speaker will temporarily assume presidential duties, with a presidential election to be held within three months.

Although Vučić has long been synonymous with Serbia during his presidency, the country is not a presidential system but a parliamentary one. In practice, executive authority lies with the Prime Minister rather than the President. After stepping down, Vučić shows no intention of retiring—he is poised to run for prime minister.

Given that Vučić’s Serbian Progressive Party maintains an overwhelming lead in public support, his ascension to prime minister appears all but certain. Yet why does he claim “the real battle has only just begun”?

The answer lies in the European Union’s opposition to his continued influence. Following Vučić’s announcement of early elections in June, the EU suspended progress toward Serbia’s accession negotiations.

In fact, pressure from the EU played a significant role in prompting Vučić’s early departure. In November 2024, a roof collapse at a train station in northern Serbia killed more than a dozen people, triggering widespread nationwide protests.

Even now, nearly two years later, demonstrations continue unabated. To suggest the EU had no involvement in this unrest would be difficult to credibly assert.

For Vučić, the election is not the conflict—it begins after securing the premiership. The EU may challenge the legitimacy of the results on grounds of electoral irregularities, potentially pressuring him to relinquish power in favor of a pro-European, anti-Russian successor.

Even if Vučić successfully assumes the premiership, further protests are inevitable. His path forward is unlikely to be smooth.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1877552169692163/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.