Serbia’s Student List wins snap election as Vučić concedes defeat

Serbia’s student-backed opposition won Sunday’s snap parliamentary election, prompting longtime leader Aleksandar Vučić to concede defeat after nearly two years of anti-government protests.

With almost 99% of ballots counted, the Student List had 52.7% of the vote, compared with 39.2% for the Serbian Progressive Party-led alliance, according to figures reported from the State Election Commission. The results translated into an estimated 139 seats for the Student List and 97 for Vučić’s alliance in the 250-seat parliament, with minority parties taking the remainder. Final results had not yet been announced.

Turnout approached 69%, the highest recorded in Serbia in more than 30 years. Tens of thousands of people celebrated in Belgrade and other cities after Vučić acknowledged that his party had lost. Some crowds dismantled tents at a pro-government encampment in central Belgrade; one tent was set on fire, though no clashes were reported there.

The Student List grew out of demonstrations following the 2024 collapse of a railway-station canopy in Novi Sad that killed 16 people. Protesters blamed corruption and demanded government accountability. The movement campaigned on fighting corruption and organised crime, strengthening institutions and media freedom, and improving education and living standards.

The bloc did not designate a prime-ministerial candidate during the campaign. Cardiologist and university professor Ilija Srdanović, who led its candidate list, is viewed as a possible choice. Under Serbia’s constitution, a government must be formed within 90 days after parliament convenes following certification of the final results.