Serbian President Vučić Admits Election Defeat After Decade in Power
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić conceded defeat in parliamentary elections, potentially ending his party's 12-year rule. Projections indicate a student protest-backed list will win a majority, taking 135-140 seats. Vučić stepped down as president to run for parliament, aiming to become prime minister again. The election outcome follows a period of strengthened Serbia-Israel ties in defense and technology.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić admitted election defeat after over a decade in power.
- A rival list, stemming from student protests, is projected to win a parliamentary majority.
- The student-backed list is expected to secure 135-140 seats, ending Vučić's party's rule.
- Vučić resigned as president last month to run for parliament and potentially become prime minister.
- The election outcome follows years of strengthened defense and technological cooperation between Serbia and Israel.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has acknowledged an election loss, potentially ending his Progressive Party's (SNS) decade-long grip on power. Preliminary projections, presented by Vučić himself, suggest a rival list, which emerged from student protests, is poised to secure an absolute majority in parliament. Vučić estimated the student-backed list would win between 135 and 140 seats in the 250-seat parliament, while his SNS party would gain around 105. He cautioned that these figures are based on an exit poll and official results are pending. The potential shift in power has sparked celebrations across Serbia, with supporters of the student-backed list gathering in various locations. Representatives from the list urged supporters to maintain order during the vote count. Former basketball player Dejan Bodiroga, running on the rival list, called on the public to assist observers at polling stations and calmly monitor the counting process. The list also warned supporters against congregating near police or uniformed individuals in the capital.
Vučić, who previously served as Prime Minister and then President, resigned his presidential post last month to contest the parliamentary elections, aiming to return to the role of Prime Minister. This political upheaval occurs after years of strengthening ties between Serbia and Israel, particularly in defense, arms procurement, and technological cooperation. During Vučić's tenure, frequent diplomatic exchanges took place, including Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog's visit to Belgrade in September 2024 and a subsequent meeting in Davos. In April, Israel and Serbia announced the launch of a strategic dialogue to bolster their relationship. A significant aspect of their security cooperation includes an Israeli-designed drone assembly plant in Serbia, with Vučić expressing intentions to establish at least three more such facilities with Israeli partners. The two nations have also advanced substantial arms deals.
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