Aleksandar Vučić, the divisive president whose resignation is demanded in Serbia

Aleksandar Vučić, Serbia's president, is a highly polarizing political figure. His supporters credit him with bringing stability and economic development to the nation. Conversely, his opponents accuse him of authoritarian leadership, media control, and widespread corruption. These criticisms have fueled several protests across the country, which gained significant momentum following a devastating train station disaster in Novi Sad in 2024 that claimed 15 lives.

Demonstrators have pointed fingers at the government's responsibility and systemic corruption for the tragedy, according to Reuters. Vučić's current presidential term is set to conclude in 2027, and he has previously stated his intention not to seek re-election for the presidency, as reported by Mondo.rs.

Born in Belgrade in 1970, Vučić pursued a law degree at the University of Belgrade, graduating in 1994. He began his political career with the Serbian Radical Party in 1993, quickly rising to become a Member of Parliament that same year and the party's Secretary-General a year later. In the late 1990s, he served as Minister of Information in Slobodan Milošević's government, becoming known for implementing strict media laws and cracking down on independent journalism.

However, Vučić later shifted his political trajectory. In 2008, he co-founded the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) with Tomislav Nikolić. This new party gradually adopted a more moderate, pro-EU stance, as noted by Predsednik.rs. He held positions as Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister from 2012 to 2014 before being elected Prime Minister of Serbia in 2014. In 2017, he won the presidential election, becoming Serbia's head of state, and was re-elected in 2022.

During his presidency, Serbia has pursued a dual strategy, seeking closer ties with the European Union while simultaneously cultivating strong relationships with Russia and China. In recent years, Serbian-Chinese cooperation has notably intensified, with Beijing becoming a key partner for Belgrade in infrastructure development, energy, and technological investments, as reported by AP News.