In Serbia, the student-led movement known as the ‘Student List’ has ended Aleksandar Vučić’s 14-year rule after securing a parliamentary majority. Out of 250 seats in the parliament, the Student List won over 135 seats, while Vučić’s Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) coalition was limited to 105 seats. This political shift was triggered by a nationwide protest movement following a tragic accident at the Novi Sad railway station, where the collapse of a concrete canopy claimed 16 lives.
Kathmandu, 9 Kartik – The longstanding right-wing government led by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has come to a close. On Sunday, the parliamentary elections concluded with the student-led movement, Student List, clinching a majority, signaling the end of Vučić’s regime. Vučić has publicly acknowledged his party’s defeat to the Student List.
According to preliminary results, the 250-seat Serbian parliament will see the Student List winning over 135 seats. Meanwhile, the incumbent SNS coalition remains with 105 seats. The election witnessed nearly 70% voter turnout—the highest since the breakup of Yugoslavia in 2000.
Following the announcement of results, thousands of young people and citizens took to the streets in the capital Belgrade and major cities like Novi Sad to celebrate the victory. Chants such as “Aleksandar is gone!” and the historic slogan from the 2000 overthrow of Slobodan Milošević, “He’s finished!” were echoed once again.
This historic political change emerged from protests that began after the November 2024 tragic collapse of a concrete canopy at Novi Sad’s railway station, which resulted in 16 fatalities. University students across Serbia initiated nationwide street protests, citing government corruption, kickbacks, and substandard construction as the main causes of the accident. What started as demands for transparency and accountability soon evolved into a full-fledged political and electoral movement.
Rejecting traditional politicians, the Student List put forward a diverse candidate list led by cardiologist Dr. Ilija Srđanović, which included professors, artists, athletes, and farmers. A large number of these candidates won seats in the new parliament.
Following the victory, Dr. Ilija Srđanović, the Student List’s lead candidate, stated, “Tonight, the voice of the people was heard. From tomorrow, we will move forward to restore the rule of law and democracy. We have proven that with determination, change is possible. Now, we will build a country based on truth, voice, and a bright future.”
Vučić’s downfall is expected to create new geopolitical ripples between the United States and Europe due to his close ties with the Trump family and American geopolitical circles. Vučić maintained connections with Donald Trump Jr. and former US special envoy Richard Grenell. Additionally, Jared Kushner’s company’s controversial multi-billion-dollar project to convert Belgrade’s old defense ministry building into a luxury hotel and residential complex also added to tensions.
Throughout his tenure, Vučić balanced strategic relations between Russia, China, and the United States. However, the youth’s increasing pro-European Union sentiment is expected to gradually reduce Russian influence and steer Serbia toward European democratic norms.
Moving forward, the Student List is set to form a new government by selecting a new prime minister with a clear majority. A separate presidential election is scheduled for December in Serbia. Vučić resigned from the presidency last month with the intention to become prime minister, but his political future is now uncertain following this electoral defeat.
This historic victory is widely seen as part of a growing wave of anti-corruption and anti-government sentiment among the youth across Europe.
