Citizens of Serbia continue to celebrate the victory of the Student List, but at the same time look forward to the first decisions that would bring political and institutional changes. After 14 years of ruling the Serbian Progressive Party, many citizens hope it will end corruption, political pressures and control over institutions and the media.

According to preliminary results, the Student List has won 140 of the 250 mandates in the Assembly, while Aleksandar Vuciqis 104’s list. The multi-year discontent, which turned into mass protests after the tragedy in Novi Sad, has already turned into a parliamentary majority.

The students won, and now only better days await us. There’s no turning back, said a citizen.

The other citizen interviewed said he expects the new government to be formed as soon as possible.

We start work and return it to citizens, he said.

After winning the Student List, citizens removed tents and fences from Pioneer Park in front of the presidency of Serbia. For more than a year, the Vuciqi Support Camp was located there, which had become a symbol of political tensions during student protests. Citizens cleaned the park and celebrated it with song and dance.

However, discontent with the media for years supporting power erupted in incidents. A group of citizens entered Informer television studios known for supporting Vuciqi and criticised for propaganda, dezinformation and violation of journalistic ethics. The programme was interrupted, while outside there were clashes with police. Protests were held in front of Pink television and public broadcasters RTS. The Student List was distanced from the incidents and called for calm and restraint from violence.

The elections are not over yet, the results are not announced. We must keep our dignity to the end. Do not use any form of violence. This is what your student list and your student movement require, said Ilija Srdanovic, from the Student List.

Meanwhile, the first changes in the media have begun. The editor-in-chief of Vojvodina’s first Radio-Television programme resigned, while this public broadcaster apologised for unilateral reporting over the past few years.

But the day after the elections passed mainly in the festive atmosphere. At students’ invitation, thousands of citizens celebrated in Belgrade’s Slavija Square, as well as in other cities of Serbia. The students called for a holiday without violence, ordering that time of responsibility is still coming.

After nearly two years of protests, citizens have high expectations of the new power. They expect fighting corruption, independent institutions and responsibility for abuse. Now it remains to be seen whether the student victory will bring about the changes citizens have sought in the streets.

Source Layer: RTKLive