Aleksandar Vucic announces resignation and early elections

In a major political move, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced plans for early elections and a financial package worth over 600 million euros aimed at improving the living standards of citizens. The announcement came during a public address where Vučić outlined a series of measures intended to support more than three million citizens, including one-time payments for socially vulnerable groups and vouchers for approximately a million pensioners. He also hinted at early elections, stating they could take place within the next three to four months. Vučić emphasized that his decision regarding whether he would run for the position of Prime Minister would be transparent and aligned with the Constitution and laws. Citizens can expect this decision to be made as early as the end of April.

Vučić's economic measures included maintaining relief efforts against the energy crisis through discussions with the International Monetary Fund. He highlighted the importance of providing affordable medicines to all citizens receiving therapy, along with a one-time assistance payment of slightly over 220 euros for recipients of social welfare and child supplements. As an additional measure, Vučić promised the issuance of 30,000 vouchers worth 85 euros each to pensioners receiving pensions below 678 euros, benefiting around a million retirees. He also mentioned that if inflation exceeds three percent, there will be a significant increase in wages and pensions by the end of the year, adding that inflation remains under control and within established parameters. According to projections from the National Bank of Serbia, inflation is expected to reach three percent this year.

Vučić further stated that the country will be fully prepared for the introduction of a military conscription period lasting 75 days, scheduled to begin in May of next year. He noted that barracks will be logistically and infrastructurally ready to accommodate the anticipated number of soldiers.

Meanwhile, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, pensioners have expressed concerns about rising costs despite recent adjustments to their pensions. The second regular adjustment of pensions in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to amendments to the Pension and Disability Insurance Law, took effect recently. Pensioners can expect increased payments starting August 5th, with the July adjustment potentially reaching between 5.8 to 6 percent. Official data indicates that the lowest pension would rise from 666.76 to nearly 706 BAM, while the guaranteed pension would increase from 842.44 to around 892 BAM. The average independent pension would surpass the 900 BAM threshold. While satisfied with the adoption of legal changes, representatives of the Union of Pensioners warn that rising food, energy, and medicine prices significantly reduce the impact of any increases.

Haso Halilović, president of the Assembly of the Union of Pensioners of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, pointed out that official figures for the July adjustment have yet to be finalized, with the payment expected on August 5th. He emphasized that without knowing the exact rate of wage growth and cost-of-living increases, it is difficult to assess the true impact of these adjustments. Halilović noted that while fuel prices have started to decline, food prices remain high, making life particularly challenging for pensioners. He added that discussions with officials continue regarding the need for better subsidies to assist the most vulnerable pensioners.

Adnan Delić, Federal Minister of Labor and Social Policy, acknowledged that the July adjustment does not account for previous years but rather builds upon already increased pensions. Despite recognizing that pension increases alone cannot resolve all issues faced by pensioners, Delić stressed that the ongoing rise in pensions represents a positive change achieved through legal reforms.

Vučić’s announcement of stepping down and calling for early elections follows 18 months of anti-government protests. During a rally in Belgrade, he stated he would serve as president for only a few more weeks before resigning. His second term was set to expire mid-2027. Vučić pledged to help his party, the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), win upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections, which were originally scheduled for 2027. He proposed naming his winning list “United Serbia.” However, he did not specify when he would resign or dissolve parliament, a prerequisite for early parliamentary elections.

In a February interview with Reuters, Vučić expressed uncertainty about his future after his term ends but did not rule out returning to politics or attempting to become prime minister. He mentioned a desire to be less involved in politics or even completely disengaged, though he acknowledged that considerations about his legacy might require some level of engagement. Vučić also committed to ending corruption within his party, increasing financial support for the poor, and improving state healthcare services.