Belgrade witnessed a significant political shift as a student-backed movement unseated longtime leader Aleksandar Vucic in Serbia’s parliamentary elections held on Sunday. With nearly all votes counted, the Students’ List secured a majority with approximately 52.7% of the vote, winning 139 of the 250 seats in the National Assembly. The election marked the culmination of over two years of protests against Vucic, whose dominance in Serbian politics spanned more than a decade, serving as prime minister and president.

The Students’ List, composed mainly of academics, professionals, and activists with little prior political experience, emerged from widespread discontent triggered by a fatal 2024 incident in Novi Sad. The collapse of a concrete canopy at a train station, which resulted in 16 deaths, became a symbol of alleged corruption and cronyism tied to Vucic’s government. This sparked sustained antigovernment demonstrations, primarily led by youth who accused Vucic of authoritarianism, organized crime connections, and corruption.

The election outcome prompted jubilant celebrations across Belgrade and other Serbian cities. Crowds dismantled barricades around a park previously occupied by pro-Vucic supporters, marking an end to a tense standoff in the capital. Many citizens expressed hope that the result would restore democratic institutions and tackle entrenched grievances. The election turnout reached historic highs at 69%, underscoring the scale of the mobilization behind the student movement.

Comparisons have been drawn between Serbia’s political upheaval and Hungary’s recent toppling of Viktor Orbán in April, where a center-right opposition led by Peter Magyar capitalized on youth engagement to end a 16-year rule perceived as increasingly autocratic and pro-Russian. Magyar congratulated Serbia’s students on social media, highlighting the shared experience of grassroots activism against entrenched power.

Despite the victory, questions remain about the Students’ List’s ability to govern effectively. The movement lacks a clear leader or candidate for prime minister, and it does not hold the large constitutional majority enjoyed by Hungary’s ruling party. Political analysts warn of challenges ahead in dismantling Vucic’s influence, which extends into Serbia’s security services and media. Vucic himself conceded defeat promptly but has vowed to remain active from the opposition.

International reactions have been mixed. Moscow expressed appreciation for Vucic’s contributions to Serbia-Russia relations and expressed hope that ties would remain strong, even as Serbia’s new leaders appear more pro-European Union. However, the Students’ List’s foreign policy stance suggests a continuation of traditional partnerships with Russia and a firm position on Kosovo, which Serbia does not recognize as independent.

The election also takes place against the backdrop of regional unrest, with youth-led protests and political challenges emerging in neighboring Balkan countries such as Albania. In Serbia, the upcoming presidential election scheduled for December is expected to test the cohesion of the new political forces.

While the Students’ List victory signals a historic turning point, the real test will be in translating electoral success into governance and reform. Many observers note that Serbia’s transition will require navigating a political system long centered on and shaped by Vucic’s leadership. Nonetheless, the movement’s rise demonstrates the power of youth-led civic activism to disrupt established political orders in the Balkans and potentially beyond.