Emerging forces win big, ending strongman power; regime changes for the first time in 14 years - Serbian parliamentary elections

[Berlin Current Affairs] Votes were counted in the election for the National Assembly (unicameral, 250 members) of Serbia, a member of the former Yugoslavia, on the 25th, and the new anti-corruption student-led political group ``Student List'' won a landslide victory. The government is expected to be replaced for the first time in 14 years since 2012, when the government was led by the center-right Serbian Progressive Party. Former President Vucic, who led the ruling coalition, said, ``Defeat is clear.''

Judgment against strong rule, opposition surges in Serbian parliamentary elections on 25th

Public dissatisfaction with the Vučić regime, which has built close ties with Russia and China and wielded heavy-handed power, has exploded. In Europe, the country was known for its long-term authoritarian rule, comparable to that of Hungary's former government, but now it has come to an end.

In Serbia, in November 2024, the eaves of a station building collapsed in the northern city of Novi Sad, killing 16 people. Protests by students to hold the government accountable have evolved into a movement aimed at rooting out corruption. The student list included non-political university teachers and athletes, and called for restoring judicial independence, ensuring transparency in public procurement, and freedom of the press.

There are many claims that are close to the values ​​of the European Union (EU), and there is a possibility that the movement toward membership, which has been stalled, will move forward. European Commission President Von der Leyen welcomed X (formerly Twitter), saying, ``We are ready to work together to advance Serbia's future in the EU.'' However, the new government's candidate for prime minister has not been decided yet, and the presidential election will be held by the end of the year, so it will likely take some time for political stability to occur.

According to the election commission, with over 96% of votes counted, the student list secured 52.5% of the votes and a majority of seats. The ruling coalition remained at 39.3%.