Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic formally resigned on March 19, paving the way for a potential early election in June, as mass protests continue to challenge the government 

Vucevic had already declared his intention to step down in late January, but his resignation was formally confirmed by parliament on March 19, days after Serbia witnessed its largest protest in decades.

Serbians have been protesting since November 2024 when the canopy at the railway station in Novi Sad collapsed, killing 15 people. Demonstrators blame the disaster on corruption, mismanagement and a lack of oversight in infrastructure projects.

Despite efforts by the government to appease public anger, including Vucevic’s resignation and a series of arrests in connection with the disaster, protests have only intensified. On Saturday, an estimated 300,000 people gathered in Belgrade, demanding reforms. 

President Aleksandar Vucic said on March 16 that if a new government is not formed within 30 days, parliamentary elections will be held on June 8 — just 18 months after Serbia's last general election.

President of the National Assembly Ana Brnabic read Vucevic’s resignation to MPs, thanking him for "the honourable, honest performance" of his duties. "Above all, for his responsible and courageous conduct," she added, as reported by Serbian daily Danas.

The government now functions in a caretaker capacity, with a 30-day period to form a new administration. If that fails, Vucic will call fresh elections, a move he has hinted at multiple times. 

As reported by bne IntelliNews, while the protests have gained significant momentum, opposition parties have struggled to present a unified response or alternative leadership to challenge the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). 

Vucic, known for his frequent use of snap elections to reinforce his authority, may view elections as a chance to reset his leadership amid mounting public dissatisfaction. However, holding an election in the wake of the largest protest in Serbia’s history carries risks for SNS.