Serbia’s student-led political movement, Students’ List, has won the country’s snap parliamentary election, bringing an end to the 14-year rule of Aleksandar Vucic’s right-wing Progressive Party. Vucic conceded defeat and blamed what he described as the “deep state” for the result.

The early election was held on Sunday after nearly two years of anti-government protests led by students. Demonstrations began in 2024 following the collapse of a railway station canopy that killed 16 people, with protesters demanding accountability and action against corruption.

Speaking at the party’s campaign headquarters, Students’ List candidate Radomir Sajcic said preliminary results showed the student movement leading by a substantial margin at almost every polling station.

“The students have won,” he said, describing the outcome as a victory for the aspirations of justice, freedom and dignity.

The election recorded the highest voter turnout in Serbia’s parliamentary elections in more than three decades. According to election officials, around 65 per cent of the country’s 6.4 million registered voters had cast their ballots by 6 pm local time. The turnout surpassed the level recorded in the 1993 parliamentary election.

Vucic conceded defeat less than two hours after polling stations closed. His concession was followed by celebrations among supporters of the student movement in the capital, Belgrade.

“It feels incredible. It feels as though I am finally living in a free country,” said Mila Martic, a student at the Students’ List campaign headquarters.

Thousands of people took to the streets to celebrate the result. Cars sounded their horns as crowds chanted slogans, while fireworks lit up the night sky.

Vucic Blames ‘Deep State’

Addressing his supporters after conceding defeat, Vucic said preliminary estimates suggested that Students’ List could win between 135 and 140 seats in the 250-member parliament, giving the movement a clear majority.

The 56-year-old politician has maintained close relations with Russia throughout his time in power. He blamed foreign forces for the election outcome.

“I want people to know that this result represents the recognition of a revolution conducted with the direct support of the deep state in various European countries and the United States. This deep state is also opposed to President Trump,” Vucic said.

Following the start of the protests in 2024, students organised marches across cities throughout the Balkan country, allowing them to reach voters directly. Large numbers of people joined the students at rallies and demonstrations.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar congratulated Students’ List on its victory.

In a post on X, von der Leyen said the European Commission was prepared to support the movement on the rule of law, media freedom, the fight against corruption and reform efforts.