Serbia entered a new political phase on Monday after a student-backed movement defeated Aleksandar Vučić’s camp in parliamentary elections, shifting attention from celebrations to the task of forming a government.
Vučić conceded defeat on Sunday, acknowledging that the Student List had won enough seats for a parliamentary majority. Final results were still pending when he made the announcement.
The movement’s victory followed nearly two years of protests triggered by the November 2024 collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad, which killed 16 people. Demands for accountability developed into a wider campaign against corruption and political control of public institutions.
The immediate question is who will lead the government. The movement has not announced its choice for prime minister or other key appointments, leaving uncertainty over how its campaign promises will translate into policy.
Its incoming representatives face expectations to strengthen the rule of law, protect media freedom and deliver credible anti-corruption reforms. Serbia’s relationship with the European Union will also draw scrutiny as the country prepares for a transfer of political power. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the outcome and offered support for democratic reforms.
Meanwhile, Vučić said his political organisation remained united and would continue its work in opposition, signalling that the election defeat would not end its role in Serbian politics.
