Student-led movement ousts Serbia’s longtime ruling party

Serbia’s ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) has suffered a historic electoral defeat after 14 years in power, following a successful challenge by a student-led political movement.

Former President Aleksandar Vučić conceded defeat on Sunday, acknowledging that his party had lost the parliamentary election.

According to Axios, Vučić admitted it was “clear” that the student-backed movement had won, although official results were still pending.

He projected that the Student List would secure between 135 and 140 seats in Serbia’s 250-member parliament, compared with 105 seats for his coalition.

The movement, headed by cardiologist Ilija Srdanović, emerged following nationwide protests over the November 2024 collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad, which killed 16 people.

The tragedy sparked widespread demonstrations against alleged government corruption and demands for accountability.

The electoral breakthrough marks a significant political shift in Serbia, potentially paving the way for democratic reforms.

The Student List must now form a government and select a prime minister.