Student-led opposition wins Serbia snap election as Vučić concedes

Serbia's snap parliamentary election has ended in a surprise victory for a student-led protest movement, with long-time leader Aleksandar Vučić conceding defeat after 14 years in power. The result overturns the immediate purpose of the vote, which Vučić had called while seeking a return as prime minister after stepping down as president in September.

The election was the third parliamentary vote in six years. It followed two years of nationwide protests triggered by the collapse of a concrete canopy at a railway station in 2024, which killed 16 people. The disaster became a symbol of corruption and negligence. The opposition accused Vučić and his Serbian Progressive Party of building a system based on corruption, media control and fear. Vučić and his allies denied wrongdoing.

Polling day brought long queues and record turnout. More than 8,000 polling stations opened. Turnout was reported at 46% at one point, at least 14 percentage points higher than in December 2023. The electoral roll listed 6.4 million voters in a country of about 6.5 million people. Concerns were raised about the reliability of the register, reports that some people had been told they had two votes, and claims that dual nationals were coming from neighbouring Bosnia to vote. EU observers and student monitors were deployed, with the students saying they would have at least two people at every polling station.

Vučić conceded before the Republican Electoral Commission had announced the result. He said a sample showed his party had lost, that the student list would have between 135 and 140 seats and that his party would have about 105. Other projections put the student list at 139 to 141 seats, a clear majority in the 250-seat parliament. The list was not made up of students. Five main universities selected public figures, including doctors, lawyers, academics, sports people and actors, most with no political experience. A cardiologist headed the list. The student movement itself has no leaders and is wary of leadership.

The student list says it is neither pro-European nor anti-European. It wants a government that respects Serbia's laws and constitution. It has promised to tackle corruption, free the media, restore the rule of law and improve public services. It now must choose a prime minister and ministers from among its MPs and form a government. Its diversity and lack of experience make the transition difficult, and it must meet high expectations.

Crowds celebrated in Belgrade and other cities, dancing, hugging and setting off fireworks. There were limited disturbances. Supporters removed a pro-Vučić encampment that had occupied a municipal park. Vučić said it was his duty to behave responsibly to avoid unrest.

Russia, Serbia's traditional ally, said it hoped the new political force understood that cooperation with Russia was in Serbia's interests. The EU said it was ready to support reforms on the rule of law, media freedom and the fight against corruption. Chancellor Merz said Berlin would actively support Serbia's European path. Correspondents said Serbia would likely focus first on domestic institutional change before foreign policy.