Belgrade’s main boulevards turned into a sea of red, black and yellow flags as thousands surged through traffic, halting trams and cars in a spontaneous celebration that lasted into the night.
The victory follows a two‑year protest movement that erupted after a collapsed railway canopy in Novi Sad on 4 November 2024 killed 16 people, sparking calls for Vucic’s resignation and an end to alleged corruption.
The Students’ List, while fielded by 250 candidates, is composed of lawyers, professors, actors, farmers and other professionals, deliberately excluding the students themselves to broaden its appeal.
Vucic, speaking at his party’s election‑night rally, blamed “independent media, unnamed European countries and an American deep state” for the loss, insisting the results were fabricated.
European Union observers flagged dozens of irregularities, from ballot photographing to alleged vote‑buying, and noted extensive media control and surveillance of activists. The parliament will convene on 5 November to elect a new prime minister, setting the stage for Serbia’s political transition.