In the elections, Serbia has removed Vučić from power after 14 years of rule.

After Orbán, Vučić has also fallen.

In the elections, Serbia has removed Vučić from power after 14 years of rule.

My sincere congratulations to the students and the citizens of Serbia on this great democratic victory! The students have won. The movement, which began two years ago when few believed or could have predicted that they would be the deciding factor in overthrowing autocracy in Serbia this Sunday, has shown that it chose the right strategy. What I want to emphasize in particular is the fact that this is a movement—as I have now seen firsthand—that has remained completely committed to non-violence throughout. The fact that we are currently witnessing a peaceful transition of power is a direct result of their total dedication to non-violent methods. It has been shown how much more effective non-violence is in the long run when overthrowing authoritarian regimes compared to violence.

For an autocratic government with total control over the repressive apparatus, the media, and the judiciary, it is clear that all of this was not enough to stay in power. This is an extremely powerful message to all those small or large autocrats, or those who aspire to become one, who work to hijack public institutions for their party or private interests: in the long run, this does not guarantee you will stay in power. Quite the contrary, it is the path that will one day lead to your removal from power.

I believe that the new government of Serbia will continue on the path toward the European Union. The student list achieved victory in these elections primarily on the promise of strengthening the rule of law, democratizing society, ensuring media freedom, and protecting human rights in Serbia. These are also (or should be) the fundamental values of the European Union. 

As before, I will support all efforts by Serbia's new leadership that move in that direction.