Serbian President Vucic resigns, to run for PM in October election

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has resigned, effective Sunday, and will run for Prime Minister in the upcoming October 25 parliamentary election. This move is assessed as a strategic effort to consolidate power, shifting from a largely ceremonial presidency to the executive role of prime minister, following mass protests and a recent call with Russian President Putin regarding gas agreements. Confidence in the resignation and intent to run for PM is Medium-High, with uncertainties remaining regarding the precise timing of snap elections and the full implications of the Putin call.