Young Serbians have emerged as a driving force behind a movement challenging Aleksandar Vučić's 12-year rule as the country prepares for a snap election on Sunday. This election is seen as a referendum on Serbia's future, following two years of student protests that have galvanized anti-government sentiment across the nation.
Context of the Elections
Rallies have been taking place across Serbia on Thursday, the final day of campaigning. The main opposition to Vučić's dominance comes from the "Student List-Students Win" movement, which, despite lacking clear leadership, has attracted a diverse coalition of voters, including farmers, actors, and judges. Lead candidate Ilija Srdanović, a cardiologist, stated, "The energy is unstoppable," as he joined students marching towards Belgrade.
The movement gained momentum after a tragic incident on 1 November 2024, when a concrete canopy collapsed at the Novi Sad train station, killing 16 people. This disaster highlighted issues of corruption and negligence, linking back to Vučić's administration, which had closely associated itself with the station's renovation project.
Developments Leading to the Election
What began as weekly protests on university campuses quickly evolved into a national movement. The Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), founded by Vučić, faced significant backlash, leading to the resignation of the prime minister within weeks. One of the largest protests in Belgrade occurred in March 2025, showcasing the strength of the leaderless student movement.
In the previous election in 2023, Vučić's SNS faced a loose coalition of pro-EU parties, which ultimately fell apart. This time, however, the student movement presents a more unified challenge, distancing itself from mainstream opposition parties.
