Aleksandar Vučić conceded defeat last night to the movement that emerged from student protests, following a historic election that ends his 12 years in power and marks the beginning of a new political era in Serbia.
Celebrations erupted in the streets of Belgrade after Vučić’s announcement, with drivers honking their horns and students chanting “victory” and “it’s over”.
The snap elections were called after nearly two years of student protests against corruption, sparked by the deaths of 16 people when the roof of a railway station collapsed in Novi Sad in 2024.
The remaining seats are divided among minority parties (3 for Hungarians, 2 for Muslims and 2 for Albanians).
Voter turnout was nearly 70%, the highest recorded since the breakup of Yugoslavia in 1992. Long queues formed at polling stations, reflecting voters’ desire for change.
Vučić conceded defeat to the Student List, which emerged from the student protest movement following the Novi Sad tragedy.
With 96% of the votes counted, the Student List has won 52.9% of the vote and 140 of the 250 seats in parliament, while Vučić’s United Serbia has secured 38.8% and 104 seats.
Slobodan Milošević’s Socialist Party will be left without parliamentary representation for the first time in its history.
Sources: Reuters, The Guardian
What is fyi.news?
