Student-Led Movement Ends Serbian President’s 14 Year Rule

by · Greek City Times

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic conceded defeat on Sunday night after a historic election in which a movement born out of student protests challenged his 14-year rule, ushering in a new political era for Serbia.

Celebrations erupted across Belgrade following Vucic’s announcement, as cars sounded their horns and students chanted “victory” and “it’s over”.

Authorities called the snap election after nearly two years of student-led protests against corruption. The demonstrations began following the deaths of 16 people when the roof of a railway station in Novi Sad collapsed in 2024.

“Dear Serbia, tonight the people’s voice was heard,” said Radomir Sajcic, a professor at the University of Belgrade, speaking on behalf of the students at the movement’s headquarters. “Tonight we celebrate victory; tomorrow we build the future,” he added.

Read more: Why Serbians Are Falling for the Cyclades

Voter turnout reached nearly 70%, marking the highest participation recorded since the breakup of the former Yugoslavia in 1992. Long queues formed outside polling stations, reflecting widespread demand for political change.

“It is clear that we lost these elections. The Student List won. They will have 135–140 seats, while we will have 105. No one else will enter parliament,” Vucic said, referring to preliminary results.

A representative sample from polling firm CESID-IPSPS projected that the Student List would secure 138 parliamentary seats, while Vucic’s Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) would win 104. Minority parties would share the remaining seats.

“Unbelievable joy and happiness, and we have finally got rid of this mafia. I am so happy that I cannot speak,” said a woman named Tania as she celebrated the results on the streets of Belgrade.

(Source: AMNA)

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