How a movement of students brought down Serbia's Vučić
A student-led movement in Serbia has successfully challenged the 14-year political dominance of Aleksandar Vučić following a tragic canopy collapse in Novi Sad. The movement, which lacks traditional political leadership, mobilized citizens against government corruption and negligence.
Why it matters
This shift represents a significant change in Serbian governance and highlights the power of grassroots movements in response to state-linked tragedies.
Image source, AFP via Getty Images Image caption, Although it was a students' movement that won Serbia's election, no student has been elected
Theirs is a movement born from tragedy that began with students blockading streets and turned into almost daily protests and a national movement against corruption and government negligence.
In just under two years the students have succeeded in tearing up 14 years of political dominance under Aleksandar Vučić, who has seen support for his Serbian Progressive party (SNS) ebb away and ultimately fail in what became a referendum on the future of Serbia.
From Belgrade to Novi Sad and Niš, the mood was euphoric as supporters gathered in town centres or in front of Student List headquarters. In a post on social media, the students declared "Serbia is free".
Headlinne story · 8 newsrooms
Aleksandar Vucic Concedes Parliamentary Election to Student Opposition Movement
What every outlet reported, where they differ, and how each framed it →
Also covering this story
16 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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