Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has ruled out seeking a third presidential term in 2027, while leaving open the possibility of returning to the post of prime minister after his current mandate expires.
In an interview with Bloomberg, Vučić said he would respect constitutional limits that prevent any individual from serving more than two terms as president. Having first been elected head of state in 2017 and re-elected in 2022, he will be ineligible to run again when Serbia holds its next presidential election in 2027.
The Serbian leader, however, did not dismiss the prospect of leading the government in the future. Asked whether he could become prime minister again, Vučić said it ‘could happen,’ suggesting that the ruling Serbian Progressive Party may require his leadership after the end of his presidency.
Vučić previously served as Serbia’s prime minister between 2014 and 2017 before moving to the presidency. Although Serbia’s constitution designates the prime minister and government as the centre of executive power, the directly elected presidency carries significant political legitimacy and influence.
During Vučić’s time in office, observers have noted a marked strengthening of the presidency’s role. While the formal constitutional powers of the office have remained unchanged, political decision-making has increasingly been associated with the presidential administration, while successive prime ministers have largely focused on managing the day-to-day work of government.
Serbia is scheduled to hold both presidential and parliamentary elections in 2027, creating a scenario in which Vučić could potentially transition from the presidency back to the premiership shortly after leaving office.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of continued political tensions in Serbia. The country has witnessed regular protests since November 2024 following the collapse of a roof structure at the Novi Sad railway station that killed 16 people. The tragedy triggered widespread public anger, with critics blaming corruption and alleged irregularities linked to renovation work carried out in cooperation with Chinese companies.
Vučić has previously suggested that he could step down from office before completing his mandate. Speaking during a visit to Beijing, he argued that public officials either resign or serve out their terms, adding that there is no middle ground between the two options.
His remarks attracted renewed attention after a major anti-government demonstration in Belgrade, which authorities estimated drew between 30,000 and 34,000 participants.
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