Serbia’s university students have led mass anti-corruption protests for nearly two years. They are now pursuing a more ambitious goal: challenging the powerful nationalist-populist leader, Aleksandar Vučić, in this weekend’s early parliamentary elections. Former authoritarian president Vučić seeks to return as prime minister after the 25 October vote, aiming to extend his right-wing party’s rule, which has been in power for 14 years.
The youth movement, which has already made significant strides in confronting the populist government during the protests, is poised to play a crucial role in these elections. The stakes are high, and tensions are palpable, with both Vučić’s nationalist Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and the youth-backed Students’ List appearing to be in close competition. This uncertainty raises concerns about the potential for violence.
After a series of marches and cycling events across Serbia, the students’ final campaign rally in Belgrade is expected to draw tens of thousands of participants on Thursday.
Change an unjust society
The student movement in Serbia represents a significant response to a tragic event that occurred in November 2024, when a train station accident in the northern part of the country resulted in the loss of 16 lives. This movement emerged from a deep-seated demand for justice, with students attributing the incident to widespread corruption and calling for accountability. The protests that followed gained substantial public support and ultimately led to a governmental collapse, creating considerable challenges for President Vučić.
Psychology professor Aleksandar Baucal notes that the students’ advocacy stems from growing up in a society marked by profound injustice. He observes, “They have come to understand that relinquishing their struggle equates to giving up on their future.” Professor Baucal, a long-time supporter of the student movement, is now an integral member of their electoral platform, emphasising that this unwavering resolve makes them a formidable opponent.
Two years into their activism, the students have become a well-organised political entity that remains resilient amid government repression and maintains broad support among Serbia’s 6.4 million voters. Recently, the students expressed concerns about surveillance of their meetings and said authorities may be planning further detentions.
The student movement is leaderless but united
Students attribute their movement’s success to its democratic values and solidarity, which starkly contrast with Vučić’s authoritarian rule. Vukašin Đinović, a student from Novi Sad, emphasised the importance of dismantling the personality cult surrounding Vučić and promoting “democracy, tolerance, and respect for everyone’s opinion.”
The movement has no designated leader and views all participants as equals, regardless of geography or academic focus. Faculty assemblies known as plenums make key decisions, contrasting with Vučić’s authoritarian style over the past twelve years. The students have proven a challenging adversary for the veteran politician, who responds with detentions and accusations of anti-state activities. Supporters believe these pressures have only strengthened the students.
The students created their “Students’ List” election ticket through a nationwide vetting process. Their Parliament candidates include a mix of well-known figures and lesser-known individuals from various fields. Đinović aims to address corruption and rebuild democratic institutions, stating, “We are afraid, but we know what we are fighting for. The regime’s violence and repression reflect their fear.”
Much is uncertain ahead of Sunday’s vote
Aleksandar Vučić has launched an active campaign since resigning as president last month to return as prime minister. He has levelled accusations against his opponents, alleging attempts to undermine the populists’ anticipated election victory, even though his ruling party controls the election authorities and the judiciary.
His party has previously faced allegations of electoral irregularities, including voter coercion and bribery, as well as inflated voter registration lists—claims the party has consistently denied.
International election monitors and the European Union have raised concerns about the integrity and safety of the upcoming election. Analysts are apprehensive that both sides may declare victory on election night, with the possibility that Vučić might refuse to concede in the event of a loss.
Aleksandra Krstić, from the Faculty of Political Sciences in Belgrade, stated, “Students have unequivocally shown that they are a significant force, both generationally and politically, capable of effecting change.” She further emphasised, “This provides hope to the public for a different future after 14 years under the Serbian Progressive Party regime.” Nevertheless, Krstić also expressed concern, noting, “There are legitimate fears regarding the potential for extreme violence.”
This article used information from The Associated Press.
