How students dethroned Serbia's strongman
VIENNA — After 14 years of authoritarian rule, Aleksandar Vučić and his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) have been ousted from power. Although polls had predicted a close election, the student-led opposition ultimately won by a wide margin. In an election that was neither free nor fair—owing to media capture, violence against the government’s opponents, and the SNS’s blatant misuse of state…
In a landmark electoral upset, students in Serbia have dethroned the nation's authoritarian leader, Aleksandar Vučić, after a prolonged campaign that began with a tragic incident in November 2024. A collapsed canopy at Novi Sad railway station claimed the lives of 16 individuals, sparking widespread public outrage. This event served as a catalyst for months of protests, highlighting the growing discontent with Vučić's Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
Despite polls suggesting a tight race, the student-led opposition emerged victorious by a significant margin. The Students' List, a coalition representing the protesters, captured 53% of the popular vote, securing 141 parliamentary seats and a decisive majority. Vučić and his SNS party, on the other hand, struggled to maintain their grip on power, securing only 38.8% and 103 seats.
The victory of the student-led opposition marked a turning point in Serbia's political landscape, showcasing the power of grassroots mobilization and the potential for change through democratic processes. This outcome serves as an important lesson for pro-democracy movements worldwide, demonstrating that even entrenched authoritarian regimes can be challenged and overthrown when citizens unite and exercise their right to vote.
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