BELGRADE — Serbia's parliament began appointing an acting president on Tuesday, a day after Aleksandar Vucic resigned to run for prime minister in an early election. The speaker of parliament is set to assume the role temporarily under the constitution.

Vucic, who has dominated Serbian politics for more than a decade, announced his resignation to reposition himself at the head of a new government rather than remain in the largely ceremonial presidency. His Serbian Progressive Party said the move was intended to consolidate executive power ahead of the vote.

Under Serbia's constitution, the resignation of the president triggers a presidential election within 60 days. Vucic's allies indicated a parliamentary poll would be held in tandem, with the Republic Electoral Commission expected to confirm the electoral timetable. December has been widely cited by Serbian outlets including N1 and Danas.

The manoeuvre drew sharp criticism from opposition figures and anti-government protesters, who have staged months of demonstrations since the deadly Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse in November 2024. Opposition leaders accused Vucic of engineering a power grab to entrench control while sidelining calls for genuine reform.

The European Union, which Serbia formally aspires to join, has repeatedly urged Belgrade to guarantee free and fair elections. A European Commission spokesperson said Brussels was monitoring the electoral process and expected adherence to democratic standards.