Serbian parliament accepts PM's resignation as political crisis grows

The Serbian parliament has accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević, triggering a 30-day countdown to pick a new prime minister and form a government to avoid early elections, state television RTS reported on Wednesday.

Vučević announced his resignation at the end of January, following an attack on student activists by a group of individuals believed to be linked to the ruling SNS party in the northern city of Novi Sad.

Vučević became prime minister in May 2024. While not regarded as a significant political figure in his own right, he was considered a proxy for President Aleksandar Vučić, who is widely seen as calling all the shots in the country.

Many view Vučević's resignation as a symbolic political sacrifice amid a growing protest movement putting pressure on the president.

The protests, which include marches and university blockades organized by students, were sparked by the collapse of a rail station canopy in Novi Sad on November 1, killing 15 people and wounding dozens.

The decision whether a new government will be formed or new elections will be called ultimately rests with Vučić.

The seven-week delay in confirming Vučević's resignation suggests that the president may have sought to buy time before making a final decision on the matter.