Leaders of the European Union have reiterated this Monday their support for Serbia's "European path" after the victory of the Student List in the early legislative elections, a vote that has meant the defeat of former president Aleksandar Vucic after 14 years at the helm of power.
The German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has highlighted that the Serbian elections are "clearly decided," after the triumph of the citizen initiative that will take over the government with "its demand for the rule of law, fight against corruption, and fundamental freedoms." "It has reached the hearts of the people. We will support Serbia's European path with commitment," he emphasized.
The Prime Minister of Croatia, Andrej Plenkovic, has called the leader of the Student List, Ilija Srdanovic, to convey his congratulations. "I wished them success in forming the government and in their future actions," he stated.
Plenkovic has pointed out that the Serbian citizens sent a "very clear" message that "they wanted a change." In his opinion, "the electoral winners have a clear mandate and the support of the citizens to take responsibility in Serbia," also celebrating that the new leaders have promised "to build better relations with neighboring countries."
For his part, the Swedish Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, has focused on the "record" participation in the elections on Sunday and has emphasized that the result opens "an opportunity to strengthen democracy, the rule of law, and the fight against corruption." "Sweden continues to support the reforms that underpin Serbia's accession to the EU," he insisted.
From Romania, the president, Nicusor Dan, has conveyed his congratulations to the Serbian people for a "historic election," characterized by high participation and the triumph of the Student List. He has also offered Bucharest's support "on Serbia's European path" and in the shared goal of achieving a "stable and prosperous neighborhood."
At the same time, the Prime Minister of Hungary, Péter Magyar, has celebrated the victory of the Student List. "I'm sure I wasn't the only one who felt nostalgia seeing those photos coming out of Serbia last night, right?" he noted in a message shared on social media.
Regarding Estonia, the Prime Minister, Kristen Michal, has positively assessed the outcome of the polls, highlighting that the Serbian people "have made their voice heard and have chosen democratic change." "This is a new opportunity for Serbia to get closer to the EU," he added.
The civic initiative has prevailed in the early legislative elections held this Sunday in Serbia with almost 52% of the votes, surpassing by more than twelve points the coalition led by Vucic and causing the fall of the previously hegemonic Serbian Progressive Party.