250 Candidates: Serbia's Student-Backed List Defeats Vucic

Aleksandar Vucic conceded defeat to a student-backed list of candidates in Serbia's parliamentary elections on Sunday night. The concession followed a two-year peaceful protest movement that demanded Vucic step down and end what organizers called rampant corruption, a charge the long-time ruler denies. The victory represents a major political shift in the nation of approximately 6 million people.

Tens of thousands of people crowded the main boulevards of Belgrade, halting trams and traffic. The air was thick with smoke, and a man on a car waved a flare as the city celebrated. This scene contrasted with the sometimes violent student protests seen across other European cities in recent months, where demonstrators called for better education standards and prospects.

Vucic has ruled as prime minister or president since 2014, overseeing a period of strong economic growth. However, he faced growing opposition after the collapse of a railway station awning killed 16 people in November 2024. Student-led protests intensified following that disaster, demanding accountability and systemic change.

At their headquarters, the 250 student-backed candidates hugged and cheered in disbelief. The disparate group includes lawyers, professors, actors, and farmers. Milica, a law student, said, "That is the best thing that happened in my life. We will now breathe freely."

Nebojsa Cosic waved a flag on the street and declared, "The people have won! The people defeated a dictator! The people will lead Serbia!" Tomorrow, the new group will begin the process of ruling the country, marking the end of Vucic's nearly decade-long tenure.

The election result underscores the power of the younger generation when harnessing widespread discontent. The student-backed list secured control of the parliamentary seats, forcing the resignation of the previous administration's leadership.