A student-led political movement has secured a historic victory in Serbia’s parliamentary elections, ending more than a decade of political dominance by longtime leader Aleksandar Vučić and his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
According to preliminary results announced by Serbia’s Electoral Commission on October 26, the Student List won 52.71% of the vote, securing 140 seats in the 250-member parliament.
The alliance led by Vučić received 39.17% of the vote, securing 104 seats, according to the preliminary count.
Vučić conceded defeat following the October 25 election, acknowledging that the student-backed movement had won a parliamentary majority.
The result follows nearly two years of student-led demonstrations against alleged government corruption and authoritarianism.
The protests began after the collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad in November 2024, which killed 16 people. The tragedy triggered widespread public anger and demands for accountability, eventually developing into a nationwide movement calling for political change.
Students organised demonstrations across Serbia, attracting support from university lecturers, civil society groups and ordinary citizens.
Following the election results, tens of thousands of people gathered in Belgrade and other cities to celebrate, waving flags, chanting slogans and welcoming the defeat of the ruling alliance.
Speaking on behalf of the student movement, Belgrade University professor Radomir Sajcic declared victory and said the movement would now focus on building the country’s future.
The student-backed electoral movement, which emerged from the protests, campaigned on tackling corruption, strengthening democratic institutions and improving education.
However, questions remain over who will lead the next government, as the movement has deliberately avoided establishing a single political leader.
Its candidates include academics, medical professionals, actors and farmers, reflecting the broad coalition that emerged from the protests.
The parliamentary victory gives the movement the opportunity to form a government, although the final election results and the formal process of establishing a new administration are still pending.
The election marks a major political turning point for Serbia, with a protest movement originating in universities now positioned to lead the Balkan nation. (Newswire)