Student protest that toppled Serbia's pro-Israeli president

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić conceded defeat in early parliamentary elections after a student protest movement that began following a 2024 train station disaster in Novi Sad defeated the ruling party. Preliminary results show approximately 2.2 million votes for the student list compared to 1.72 million for his party. For Israel, Vučić's fall is the loss of an ally in Europe.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić conceded defeat in early parliamentary elections after a student protest movement succeeded in defeating the ruling party. The protest began in November 2024 following the collapse of a concrete canopy at the entrance to the Novi Sad train station, which killed 16 people. The disaster became a symbol of corruption and governmental neglect, according to protesters. Vučić served two terms as president and was not eligible to run for a third term, so he led his party hoping to return as prime minister. Preliminary results indicated approximately 2.2 million votes for the student list compared to 1.72 million for his party. Voter turnout reached 69.34%, the highest in years. The student movement compiled a list of 250 potential parliamentary candidates, including doctors, academics, actors, athletes, and citizens. It is not yet known who will lead it. For Israel, Vučić's fall is the loss of an ally in Europe, but it is too early to determine whether the new government will adopt a less friendly policy.