Aleksandar Vucic Concedes Defeat to Student-Led Opposition in Serbia
Aleksandar Vucic conceded the October 25 parliamentary election to the Student List, ending 14 years of absolute power following widespread anti-corruption protests.
Longtime Serbian leader Aleksandar Vucic conceded defeat in a snap parliamentary election on October 25, 2026, after his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) lost its majority to the Student List. Vucic reported that the student-led movement is projected to win between 135 and 140 of the 250 seats with approximately 2.2 million votes, while the SNS secured around 105 seats and 1.7 million votes.
The election followed two years of anti-corruption protests sparked by a November 2024 railway station canopy collapse in Novi Sad that killed 16 people. The Student List, composed of experts and professionals selected by university students, campaigned on government accountability and transparent procurement. Vucic, who resigned the presidency in September to run for prime minister, attributed his loss to independent media and alleged interference from an "American deep state" and unnamed European countries.
While voter turnout reached 64.9%, the highest since 1992, the process was marred by reports of irregularities. The Center for Research, Transparency and Accountability reported voter pressure at nearly one-third of monitored stations, and overseas voters in cities like New York faced restrictive polling hours. Following the concession, tens of thousands of supporters celebrated in Belgrade. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated the movement and pledged support for democratic reforms.
