Belgrade: Serbia is facing a major political shift after a movement backed by students won a decisive victory in parliamentary elections, defeating the alliance associated with Aleksandar Vucic. The result marks a significant setback for the country's established political leadership, but questions remain over who will lead the next government and how the movement will deliver its promises of reform.
According to preliminary results released by Serbia’s Republic Electoral Commission on October 26, the Student List received 52.71 percent of the vote, while the Vučić backed United Serbia alliance secured 39.17 percent. The figures were based on results from 8,187 polling stations.
The preliminary seat allocation gave the Student List 140 seats in Serbia’s 250 member parliament, compared with 104 seats for the Vucic backed alliance. Four minority lists secured the remaining six seats. The final results and formal allocation of seats remain important steps in completing the electoral process.
Vucic conceded defeat following the election on October 25, marking a major setback for the political establishment that has dominated Serbian politics for years. His defeat in the parliamentary contest should be distinguished from his formal position as president, which requires separate clarification through official records.
The election followed nearly two years of student led protests that began after a concrete canopy collapsed at the railway station in Novi Sad in November 2024, killing 16 people. The disaster triggered widespread anger over alleged corruption, public safety and accountability.
What began as demands for answers over the tragedy gradually developed into a broader movement calling for political change. Students organised demonstrations that attracted support from different sections of Serbian society and challenged the country's established political leadership.
The parliamentary election on October 25 gave the movement an opportunity to turn that public support into electoral success. Its victory has raised expectations among supporters who want stronger accountability, more transparent government and reforms to state institutions.
However, moving from protest to government will present significant challenges. The Student List is backed by the wider student movement but is not a conventional political party with a long established leadership structure. Its candidates include academics, professionals and other figures associated with the movement.
Among the prominent figures linked to the Student List are cardiologist Ilija Srdanovic, former central bank governor Dejan Soskic and Belgrade University professor Radomir Sajcic. However, the movement has yet to establish a confirmed prime ministerial choice and a complete cabinet for the next administration.
The incoming government will face pressure to translate its promises into practical measures, particularly in tackling corruption, strengthening public accountability and improving the independence of state institutions. It will also need to manage public spending, address economic concerns and prepare the national budget before the end of the year.
Election monitoring organisation CRTA has raised concerns about aspects of the voting process, including voter identification, polling station procedures and the voter register. These findings have renewed questions about electoral standards in Serbia. However, the reported concerns do not by themselves establish that the overall election result was invalid.
The political change is also attracting attention across Europe. European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the Student List's victory and expressed support for reforms related to the rule of law, media freedom and the fight against corruption.
Serbia has long sought membership in the European Union, but its progress has been affected by concerns over democratic standards, relations with Russia and its position on Kosovo. The next government will face pressure to clarify its approach to these issues.
Representatives associated with the Student List have indicated that some aspects of Serbia's foreign policy, including its position on Kosovo and its approach towards Russia, may not change significantly. However, the movement's individual statements should not be treated as a complete government programme before its leadership and policies are formally established.
The election has created an opportunity for a new political direction after years of dominance by Vučić's camp. Yet the movement's ability to maintain unity, agree on policy priorities and work through established institutions will be central to its success.
For Serbia, the immediate challenge is to establish a stable government and respond to public demands for accountability and reform. The coming months will show whether the movement that brought thousands of people into the streets can turn its electoral victory into lasting political change.