Celebrations begin after the results of the Serbian elections 2026 | Explained – How a historic student movement overthrew Vučić | Today’s news

Serbia saw nationwide celebrations on Monday after a student-backed movement defeated longtime leader Aleksandar Vucic’s ruling alliance in a landmark parliamentary election, ending 14 years of political dominance and paving the way for a major shift in the Balkan country’s leadership.

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Belgrade and other Serbian cities after Vucic conceded defeat late Sunday, Reuters reported. The result followed nearly two years of peaceful, student-led anti-government protests demanding accountability and calling on the populist leader to step down.

With nearly 99% of votes counted, student-backed candidates won 52.7% of the vote, compared to 39.2% for the alliance led by Vučić’s Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), according to the State Election Commission, Reuters reported.

The student-backed list won 139 seats in the 250-member Serbian parliament, while the SNS-led alliance secured 97. Minority parties won the remaining seats.

The Associated Press (AP) called the result a historic change of government after a grassroots movement that mobilized university students against corruption, cronyism and organized crime.

Although the election result sparked celebrations among supporters, uncertainty remains over who will lead the incoming government and how the diverse movement will translate its protest demands into policy.

How the student movement overthrew Vucic

The movement gained momentum in 2024 after a canopy collapsed at a renovated train station in Novi Sad, northern Serbia, killing 16 people. The tragedy has prompted accusations that corruption and negligence contributed to the shoddy construction work, according to the AP.

Students led protests demanding accountability and action against corruption. Over nearly two years, the demonstrations have evolved into a broader challenge to Vučić’s government, with the movement attracting support from people frustrated with the state of public institutions.

Reuters reported that university professors, actors and farmers were among the candidates supported by the students. Rather than emerging from a conventional political party with an established leadership structure, the movement grew out of protests and campaigned to fight corruption and improve education.

His message resonated with voters, the AP reported, as the movement challenged the ruling party that has dominated Serbian politics for more than a decade.

Both Vučič and the SNS have repeatedly rejected accusations of corruption and repression.

Vučič’s campaign failed to turn the tide

Before the election, Vučič tried to consolidate his position by resigning from the presidency in an attempt to become prime minister. He also launched a campaign that included favorable coverage in the state media, attacks on political opponents and promises of higher pensions, new roads and cheaper medicine.

These efforts failed to prevent student-backed candidates from securing a decisive victory.

The movement’s criticism of corruption, cronyism and organized crime during the Vucic government resonated strongly with voters.

The election result also came at a time of long-standing concerns about the fairness of elections under the Vucic government. There have been allegations of voting irregularities, violent incidents, favorable treatment in pro-government media and the use of public funds to secure electoral support. Vucic’s government and party have faced repeated criticism over the issues, while the ruling party has denied allegations of wrongdoing.

After conceding defeat on Sunday, Vucic blamed foreign interference.

“I want people to know that,” he said. “It was a validation of the revolution that they carried out directly with the support of various European countries and the American deep state, which is also against President (Donald) Trump.”

He also promised to continue fighting the opposition.

“Our structure is very solid, we are very united and strong, and we are used to being in the opposition,” Vucic said in a speech on Sunday evening, according to AP.

Former Serbian President Boris Tadic said Vucic might not have conceded if the student-backed movement had secured a less convincing victory. Under the circumstances, however, Tadič said, “he couldn’t avoid it.”

Who is Aleksandar Vucic, the long-time leader of Serbia?

Vučič has been one of the most influential figures in Serbian politics for more than ten years. According to the AP, he has served as deputy prime minister, prime minister and president for the past 14 years, turning a largely ceremonial presidency into a center of political power.

His political career spans more than 30 years. The AP reported that Vucic started out as an ultra-nationalist who advocated the creation of a “Greater Serbia” during the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s, before later shifting to a declared pro-European position.

As information minister in the late 1990s, he oversaw a period when media critical of then-President Slobodan Milosevic faced heavy fines or closure, the AP reported.

Vučić’s Serbian Progressive Party came to power in 2012 after moving towards a pro-European stance. In office, he tried to balance relations with the European Union, Russia and other global powers.

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Who will rule Serbia after the elections?

Despite its decisive parliamentary victory, the student-backed movement faces questions about its leadership and governing strategy.

The movement has no clear leader and it remains uncertain who will become prime minister or take over other senior government posts.

Prominent figures associated with the candidates include cardiologist Ilija Srdanovic, who leads the student-backed slate; former central bank governor Dejan Soskic; and Radomir Sajcic, a professor at the University of Belgrade, who spoke on behalf of the movement after its victory.

The movement’s domestic priorities include rooting out corruption and improving education. Translating these commitments into legislation and administrative reforms will require a functioning government and cooperation among its various supporters.

The election also highlighted divisions among voters over the transition. While some welcomed the result as an opportunity to tackle corruption, others expressed concern about the movement’s unclear leadership and its readiness to govern.

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