Serbia’s student-backed list was above 52% in a near-final count, putting it on course for a parliamentary majority as the country awaits certification before a new government can form.
About 140 seats in the 250-member National Assembly are projected for the list, according to the central election authority’s count. AFP reported that the total would give the movement enough support to govern alone.
AFP said the list defeated the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), Aleksandar Vucic’s party, in Sunday’s election. The SNS had governed for 14 years, but certification is required before parliament can be constituted and a new government formed.
Belgrade’s public-space cleanup began Monday, when students and residents cleared a park outside the presidency building. AFP reported that a pro-government encampment had occupied the grounds for more than a year. By afternoon, signs of the camp had been removed and children were using the playground again.
On Wednesday, the student movement asked residents to help restore streets, buildings and parks, including by painting over offensive graffiti. Dozens of people covered markings in a central tunnel where messages from opposing political groups had accumulated, AFP reported.
The protests followed a deadly 2024 accident at the railway station in Novi Sad, where a canopy collapsed and 16 people died, AFP reported. The demonstrations continued for nearly two years and left political markings across public areas.
The final count must be certified before parliament can be constituted, AFP reported. The leaderless movement can then form a government and choose a prime minister.
