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Victory in Serbia: Students Topple Veteran Leader in Snap Election

A wave of celebrations sweeps Serbia as student protests win parliament, ending decades of power for President Aleksandar Vučić.

Source: bbc.co.uk1 min read
Victory in Serbia: Students Topple Veteran Leader in Snap Election
Image via bbc.co.uk

In brief

A snap parliamentary election in Serbia turned the tables on long‑time president Aleksandar Vučić. Students‑led protest groups captured 52.7 % of the vote, ending two decades of one‑party dominance. The streets of Belgrade and Novi Sad erupted in song, dance and fireworks as citizens celebrated what many called a democratic avalanche. The result marks a seismic shift in Serbia’s political landscape and may open a path toward deeper EU integration.

In a stunning turn of events, Serbia’s long‑time president Aleksandar Vučić conceded defeat after students‑led protest groups captured a majority in the snap parliamentary vote.

The 52.7 % win came after a deadly collapse at a Novi Sad train station sparked nationwide protests that galvanized a cross‑section of citizens – doctors, actors, academics and athletes – to stand against corruption and authoritarian rule.

Crowds in Belgrade, Novi Sad and other cities erupted into song, dance and fireworks as the Student List celebrated what many call a “democratic avalanche.”

Vučić, who can’t run again after two terms, now faces a future where the Student List could steer Serbia toward deeper EU integration and a new political era.

With the Election Commission reporting 2.25 million votes for the students, the result signals the biggest power shift in Serbia’s recent history.

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