Serbia has entered a new political era after Aleksandar Vucic conceded defeat to a historic student-led protest movement in an election on Sunday, bringing an end to his long grip on power.

The streets of Belgrade erupted in celebration following Vucic's announcement, as drivers sounded their car horns and students chanted "victory" and "he's done".

The snap elections came following nearly two years of student-driven demonstrations against perceived corruption and creeping authoritarianism, which were triggered when a train station canopy collapsed in Novi Sad in 2024, killing 16 people.

"Dear Serbia, tonight the voice of the people is being heard," said Radomir Sajcic, a professor at Belgrade University speaking on behalf of the students at their headquarters. "Tonight we celebrate victory, tomorrow we build the future."

(Reuters)

Voter turnout reached nearly 70 per cent, representing the highest participation since the breakup of Yugoslavia in 1992.…