Vucic Concedes Power to Student-Backed Coalition in Serbia

Tens of thousands of people choked the main boulevards of Belgrade on Sunday night, halting trams and traffic as smoke from flares thickened the air. The scene mirrored months of violent student protests across Europe, but the mood in Serbia’s capital was one of celebration rather than grievance. Aleksandar Vucic, the country's long-time ruler, conceded defeat to a student-backed list of candidates in the parliamentary elections.

The victory caps a two-year, peaceful movement demanding Vucic step down and end rampant corruption, a charge the leader denies. The shift marks a major change in the political balance of the nation of roughly 6 million people, demonstrating the influence of younger voters in harnessing widespread discontent.

Milica, a law student in the crowd, described the moment as the best event of her life, saying the group would now breathe freely. The result forces a disparate coalition of 250 candidates to move from protest to governance. Many of the winners are unknown to the public, holding professions such as lawyer, professor, actor, or farmer.

Vucic held the roles of prime minister or president since 2014, overseeing a period of strong economic growth. His authority faced growing opposition after a railway station awning collapsed in November 2024, killing 16 people. That disaster triggered the student-led protests that eventually culminated in this electoral outcome.

At their headquarters, the new representatives hugged and cheered in what they described as near disbelief. Nebojsa Cosic, waving a flag on the street, declared that the people had defeated a dictator and would lead Serbia. The group faces the immediate task of forming a government before the session officially begins tomorrow.