Serbia's Vučić concedes defeat to student opposition

Serbia's populist right-wing president Aleksandar Vučić, who has led the country for the past 12 years and maintained a notably pro-Israel stance, conceded defeat Sunday evening in snap parliamentary elections.

Vučić said the student-led opposition list is projected to win at least 135 of the parliament's 250 seats, above the 126 needed for a majority. His ruling party, which has dominated Serbian politics since 2012, appears set to lose control of the legislature.

The elections followed nearly two years of student-led protests that erupted after a railway station roof collapse in Novi Sad killed 16 people last November. Demonstrators accused the government of corruption and eroding democratic institutions.

מחאות בסרביה נגד הממשלה (צילום: שאטרסטוק)

The student list, which includes doctors and university professors, campaigned on fighting corruption and freeing state institutions from political interference.

Turnout reached an unusually high 64.9 percent by early afternoon, according to reports. International observers reported irregularities at polling stations, raising concerns that political tensions could trigger further demonstrations and instability.

The result may also affect Serbia's relationship with Israel. Vučić has been among Israel's most vocal supporters in Europe, and the incoming government's position on Israel remains unclear.