by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
BELGRADE (Worthy News) – Serbia’s longtime leader Aleksandar Vučić has conceded defeat in Sunday’s parliamentary elections after preliminary results indicated that a student-backed opposition movement had secured a majority, potentially ending 14 years of rule by his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
The election followed nearly two years of student-led protests against alleged government corruption and demands for greater accountability and the rule of law.
Preliminary estimates suggested the Student List could win between 135 and 140 seats in Serbia’s 250-member parliament, compared with approximately 105 seats for Vučić’s political camp. A parliamentary majority requires 126 seats.
The results, which had not yet been officially certified, marked a dramatic political development in the Balkan nation, where Vučić, a close ally of former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has dominated politics for more than a decade.
STUDENT PROTEST MOVEMENT
The opposition movement emerged after a railway station canopy collapsed in the northern Serbian city of Novi Sad in November 2024, killing 16 people. The disaster sparked demonstrations that grew into a nationwide campaign against alleged corruption, government mismanagement and weakening democratic institutions.
Students organized protests, marches and university blockades, attracting support from teachers, professionals and other citizens demanding political change.
Vučić, who became prime minister in 2014 and president in 2017, resigned as head of state last month before calling early parliamentary elections in an attempt to return to power as prime minister.
His Serbian Progressive Party had governed Serbia since 2012, maintaining considerable influence over state institutions while facing repeated accusations from opponents and civil society organizations of restricting media freedom and undermining democratic accountability.
HIGH VOTER TURNOUT
Sunday’s election drew unusually high voter turnout, with long lines forming outside polling stations and voters mobilizing across the country.
Election monitors reported intimidation, voting irregularities and violent incidents during the day. Independent watchdogs documented concerns about ballot secrecy and pressure on voters, while European officials had previously expressed concern about the fairness of Serbia’s electoral process.
Opposition supporters celebrated the reported victory in Belgrade as preliminary results indicated that the student-backed movement had secured a parliamentary majority.
The Student List, comprising candidates from different professional and social backgrounds, has pledged to combat corruption, strengthen the rule of law and restore public trust in democratic institutions.
EUROPEAN IMPLICATIONS
The political upheaval could reshape Serbia’s relations with the European Union, Russia and neighboring countries, although the student-backed movement has not committed itself to a decisive shift toward Brussels.
Serbia is a candidate for European Union membership, but its accession negotiations have stalled amid concerns about democratic standards, corruption, relations with Kosovo and its refusal to join Western sanctions against Russia over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
Vučić maintained close relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and cultivated ties with China while also cooperating closely with Orbán, whose 16-year rule in neighboring Hungary ended following an election defeat in April.
The Student List has emphasized judicial reforms and stronger democratic institutions, potentially addressing some of the European Union’s concerns. However, it has not clearly committed itself to EU membership and has indicated that it would not impose sanctions on Moscow.
Although the projected parliamentary majority represents a major political breakthrough, official election results and the formation of a new government will determine Serbia’s political direction and whether relations with Brussels improve.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
