Overthrow of Slobodan Milošević — 2000 overthrow of Yugoslavian president Slobodan Milošević
Popular uprising forced Slobodan Milošević from power, ending his authoritarian rule over Yugoslavia and opening the country to democratic transition.
Key Facts
- Date of culmination
- 5 October 2000
- Triggering election
- General election of 24 September 2000
- Common name
- 5 October Revolution or Bulldozer Revolution
- Symbolic target stormed
- Radio Television of Serbia building
- Deposed leader
- Slobodan Milošević, President of Yugoslavia
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following a disputed general election on 24 September 2000, in which Slobodan Milošević was widely believed to have lost to opposition candidate Vojislav Koštunica, the Milošević regime attempted to deny or manipulate the results, triggering mass public anger and coordinated opposition mobilization across Yugoslavia.
On 5 October 2000, hundreds of thousands of protesters converged on Belgrade in a day-long demonstration. In a defining moment, a heavy equipment operator drove a bulldozer into the Radio Television of Serbia building, symbolic of regime propaganda. The parliament was also stormed, and Milošević's authority collapsed without significant armed resistance.
Milošević conceded defeat and was removed from power, ending over a decade of authoritarian rule. Yugoslavia subsequently underwent democratic reforms, and Milošević was later transferred to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia at The Hague, where he faced charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Political Outcome
Slobodan Milošević was ousted from the presidency of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia following mass popular protests after the disputed September 2000 election.
Slobodan Milošević governing as authoritarian president of Yugoslavia
Opposition leader Vojislav Koštunica assumed the presidency, beginning democratic transition