Serbia's long-time leader concedes to student-backed list

Aleksandar Vucic conceded defeat in Serbia's parliamentary elections on Sunday night, ending his tenure as the country's leader.

Vucic has held the role of prime minister or president since 2014. He guided the nation through a period of strong economic growth but faced mounting pressure following a two-year, peaceful protest movement. The demonstrations, which students described as a fight against rampant corruption, gained momentum after a railway station awning collapsed in November 2024, killing 16 people. Vucic has denied the corruption charges leveled at his administration. This election result represents a major political shift in the Balkan nation of approximately 6 million residents.

Supporters filled Belgrade's main boulevards, causing trams and traffic to halt. The air became thick with smoke as a man on a car roof waved a flare. Milica, a law student, described the victory as the best thing that happened in her life, adding that the country would now breathe freely.

At the headquarters of the new coalition, candidates embraced in disbelief. The group of 250 student-backed members includes lawyers, professors, actors, and farmers. Nebojsa Cosic waved a flag in the street and declared that the people defeated a dictator and would lead Serbia.

The coalition must begin governing on Monday. The group remains disparate as it prepares to assume power.