EU congratulates opposition victory in Serbia: mass celebrations in Belgrade
AP/Armin Durgut
European leaders have hailed the victory of the Student List in Serbia’s parliamentary elections, as former President Aleksandar Vucic conceded defeat for his party, while tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Belgrade to celebrate the results.
Reutersreports this.
European Council President Antonio Costa congratulated the winners of the elections and declared the European Union’s readiness to support democratic reforms in Serbia.
“We are ready to support reforms in the areas of the rule of law, media freedom, the fight against corruption and the strengthening of democratic institutions, as well as work together to build Serbia’s future in the European Union,” Košta wrote.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos also congratulated the Student List on its victory, noting that after almost two years of protests against corruption, Serbian citizens took part in the elections in record numbers.
“A new chapter can begin for Serbia. The door to the EU is open, and we are ready to move forward together,” Kos said.
Romanian President Nikos Dan has expressed his readiness to cooperate with the future government of Serbia and support its European path, emphasizing the long-standing friendly ties between the two countries.
Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar said that he had already had a telephone conversation with representatives of the “Student List” and assured them of Budapest’s support.
“I was very happy to hear how much strength our April victory gave them in this difficult struggle,” said Magyar.
After the results were announced, tens of thousands of people filled the central streets of Belgrade. The celebrants danced, waved flags and chanted slogans in support of the student movement.
In particular, the crowd chanted “The people have won!” and “The people have defeated the dictator!”
As a reminder, on September 27 , Aleksandar Vučić resigned as President of Serbia to participate in early parliamentary elections and run for the post of Prime Minister. Prior to the vote, the duties of the head of state were transferred to Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić.
Vucic previously dissolved Serbia’s parliament and called early elections . The decision was made amid prolonged anti-government protests that began after a train station canopy collapsed in Novi Sad, killing 16 people.
Additionally, large-scale protests and clashes with police took place in Belgrade in May. Demonstrators demanded Vučić’s resignation and early parliamentary elections.
Also follow “Pryamim” on Facebook , X , Telegram , and Instagram .