Serbian student-led protests have ousted long-serving leader Aleksandar Vučić in a historic parliamentary election. The Students' List, backed by the protest coalition, is projected to secure between 135 and 140 seats, marking a significant shift in Serbia's political landscape. The election results are seen as a turning point, potentially distancing the Balkan country from Russia and Vladimir Putin.
Vučić, who served as Serbia's prime minister and president since 2014, conceded defeat in the Oct. 25 elections, acknowledging the Students' List's victory. The party, which has been protesting against alleged corruption in Vucic's government, is expected to form the next government. The election saw a record 70% voter turnout, the highest since Yugoslavia's dissolution in 1992.
The victory is viewed as a major political shift, with analysts noting its implications for Serbia's relationship with Russia and the broader European context. The election results are compared to recent events in Hungary, where a similar student-led movement also succeeded in ousting a right-wing leader. The outcome is seen as a significant milestone in Serbia's political history, signaling a new era for the country.
The election results are being celebrated as a victory for the student movement, with celebrations erupting in the streets of Belgrade and other cities. The Students' List has pledged to focus on accountability for top members of the previous regime, a key campaign promise. The election is seen as a major turning point for Serbia, with potential implications for its future political and economic direction.