Serbia's student-led movement ousts long-time leader Aleksandar Vucic

On Sunday, October 25, 2026, Serbia witnessed a historic political shift as long-time leader Aleksandar Vucic conceded defeat in snap parliamentary elections. The student-backed protest movement, which emerged following the tragic collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad in 2024 that resulted in 16 deaths, secured a decisive victory. Vucic, who had dominated Serbian politics since 2014, announced that his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) had lost, with initial data indicating the Student List would claim between 135 and 140 seats in the 250-seat parliament.

According to the State Election Commission, with 99% of the vote counted, the student-led coalition garnered 52.7% of the vote, awarding them 139 seats, compared to 39.2% for the SNS-led alliance, which will hold 97 seats. The election follows nearly two years of peaceful anti-corruption demonstrations against alleged authoritarianism and government negligence. Nationwide celebrations broke out in cities including Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Nis following the concession speech.

The country now enters a transition period, with the constitution allowing up to 90 days for the formation of a new government once the parliament is formally convened. While the student movement has celebrated its victory, the path forward remains uncertain as the group prepares to transition from protest to governance in a nation of 6 million people.