In a dramatic shift of Serbia’s political landscape, the ruling party has lost its grip on power following a recent election victory that came after two years of student-led protests against corruption and mismanagement.
Students across the country staged a sustained campaign of demonstrations, rallies and sit‑ins, demanding greater transparency and accountability from the government. Their protests, which began in late 2021, grew in intensity and drew widespread public support.
The movement’s persistence paid off when voters turned out in large numbers for the parliamentary election held in early 2024. The results saw the ruling party’s majority eroded, handing a decisive win to opposition forces and signalling a new era of political change.
Celebrations erupted in Belgrade’s streets, with supporters of the opposition and the student movement gathering to mark the historic outcome. The mood was one of relief and optimism, as many see the election as a vindication of the protests’ demands for reform.
Serbia’s political future now hinges on how the new coalition will address the issues that sparked the student movement, and whether it can deliver on promises of greater integrity and better governance. The country’s recent experience underscores the power of civic engagement in shaping national politics.
<small>Source: Al Jazeera — read the original story there.</small>
