Bivši predsjednik Srbije Boris Tadić: ‘Čekao sam 14 godina da se ovo dogodi, da ovaj politički ološ ode s vlasti...‘

The student-led political movement in Serbia secured a decisive victory in Sunday’s parliamentary elections, ending more than a decade of dominance by Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić and his Serbian Progressive Party. According to preliminary data from the Republic Election Commission after processing 95.4 percent of polling stations, the coalition known as the Student List won 139 of the 250 seats in parliament. This result grants them an independent majority capable of forming a government. The list received approximately 2.16 million votes, representing 53 percent of valid ballots. In contrast, the electoral bloc led by Vučić, named "Aleksandar Vučić, United Serbia," garnered roughly 1.63 million votes, or 39.9 percent, securing an estimated 104 mandates. No other political list crossed the three-percent threshold required for entry into the assembly, except for minority lists which operate under specific legal provisions. Vučić acknowledged the defeat on Sunday evening via live television broadcast, stating that based on exit polls and sample data, his party had lost the election. He estimated that the student list would secure between 135 and 140 seats, while his own faction would receive around 105. Although official final results were still pending at the time of initial international reporting, Vučić confirmed that his party would not challenge the outcome through legal proceedings or administrative appeals. He stated that the Serbian Progressive Party would continue its work in opposition and would not obstruct the constitution of the new parliament. He suggested that the new legislative body could convene within ten to fifteen days to form a cabinet. Despite conceding the loss, Vučić attributed part of the defeat to external actors, specifically citing European states and the American "deep state." The leader of the winning student list, Ilija Srdanović, addressed the public shortly after the results emerged. Speaking to Montenegrin broadcaster TV Vijesti, Srdanović described the outcome as a long-awaited correction of historical wrongs. He referred to Vučić as a figure who had shrouded Serbia in a "black veil of history" for over a decade and declared that he had deservedly gone to the "trash heap of history." Srdanović emphasized that his team had maintained direct, eye-to-eye contact with citizens throughout the campaign, gathering information on their deficiencies which was then translated into a student-based political program. He pledged to work toward better relations with neighboring countries and the broader international community. "We will create a better Serbia for the benefit of our citizens," he said. He added that the country would never again have a tyrant. The election took place following nearly two years of mass student protests against corruption and authoritarianism. These demonstrations were initially sparked by the death of 16 people in November 2024 when the canopy of a railway station collapsed in Novi Sad. The movement evolved from university campuses into a broad political alternative that successfully mobilized voters beyond just the student demographic. Turnout for the election was recorded as the highest in Serbian history, with estimates placing participation between 67.6 percent and 69 percent, significantly higher than the 58 percent recorded in December 2023. Long queues forced many polling stations to remain open past the standard closing time to accommodate all waiting voters. Celebrations erupted in Belgrade immediately after Vučić’s concession. Tens of thousands of citizens flooded the streets, particularly around the Slavija square, waving colorful balloons and chanting slogans such as "Victory" and "It is over." Car horns sounded continuously as crowds gathered. Several prominent Serbian athletes joined the celebrations. Volleyball player Vanja Grbić appeared among the crowd at Slavija, while water polo legend Dušan Mandić posted on Instagram that "Serbia is free." Former basketball player Saša Pavlović shared a message praising God. However, the atmosphere was not entirely peaceful. Reports indicated numerous incidents and attacks on voters and journalists. Heavy gendarmerie vehicles were observed patrolling the capital, stationed near the presidential palace and the headquarters of the election commission. Journalists reported facing checks on their credentials and prolonged bans from accessing the commission's premises. Reactions from the international community focused on the implications for regional stability and democratic norms. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, congratulated the student list on social media, noting the record turnout. She stated that the EU is prepared to support reforms regarding the rule of law, freedom of media, anti-corruption efforts, and the strengthening of democratic institutions. She expressed readiness to cooperate on Serbia’s further integration into the European Union. Sandro Gozi, General Secretary of the European Democratic Party, labeled the result an "extraordinary victory for democracy, freedom, and the future of Serbia." He noted that Vučić had become the primary obstacle to Serbia’s European path. Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, wrote that the voices of Serbians had been heard after nearly two years of protests demanding accountability. Former Serbian President Boris Tadić reacted to the shift in power with relief, telling N1 Television that he had waited 14 years for the current leadership to depart. He warned against revenge politics, arguing that the priority must be dismantling the existing system and putting the country in order. Tadić predicted that the Serbian Progressive Party would fragment rapidly because it relies heavily on the capital of a small group of individuals. He suggested that once these owners begin maneuvering their assets, the party structure would collapse. Meanwhile, Dragan J. Vučičević, owner of the Vučić-aligned newspaper Informer, expressed disbelief at the defeat, stating that he did not know how his outlet would survive the change. Media outlets aligned with the previous administration continued to feature Vučić prominently, downplaying the scale of the electoral shift in favor of celebrity news and reality programming. The immediate task for the incoming student-led government will be navigating the transition of power and addressing the institutional challenges left behind by the previous regime.