Serbia’s student movement wins election, but who will govern?
Serbia’s student-led movement has won a decisive victory in the snap parliamentary election, challenging the political camp of President Aleksandar Vucic after months of protests sparked by a deadly railway station collapse.
With almost 99% of votes counted, the Student List secured 52.7% of the vote, compared with 39.2% for the alliance led by Vucic’s Serbian Progressive Party, according to preliminary election commission figures. The results projected 139 seats in the 250-member parliament, giving the movement a potential governing majority.
Vucic conceded defeat following Sunday’s vote, marking a major setback for the political establishment that has dominated Serbia for more than a decade.
Prime minister remains undecided
Despite its victory, the movement has yet to announce its candidate for prime minister. Students organized the campaign and selected candidates through university assemblies, but did not stand for parliament themselves.
Cardiologist Ilija Srdanovic, who heads the parliamentary list, and former central bank governor Dejan Soskic are among the potential candidates. The movement has not confirmed either as its preferred choice.
The list also includes prominent figures from academia, sports and culture, including former basketball star Dejan Bodiroga, as well as farmers and environmental activists.
Protests began after deadly railway collapse
The movement emerged after a concrete canopy collapsed at Novi Sad railway station on November 1, 2024, ultimately killing 16 people. The disaster triggered accusations of corruption and failures in construction oversight, prompting student-led blockades and nationwide demonstrations.
The protests expanded beyond universities, attracting teachers, farmers and other citizens demanding accountability and institutional reform. They contributed to the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic in January 2025, although demonstrations continued.
The Student List campaigned on an 11-point program focused on combating corruption, strengthening judicial independence, improving transparency in public procurement and raising living standards.
Its proposals also include affordable housing, free school textbooks and better access to healthcare.
Government formation next challenge
Under Serbia’s Constitution, a prime ministerial nominee must secure the support of at least 126 lawmakers in the 250-seat National Assembly. If the preliminary results are confirmed, the Student List would have enough seats to form a government independently.
The president nominates the prime minister after consultations with parliamentary representatives, while the new parliament must convene within 30 days of the official declaration of results.
The political transition comes as Vucic has resigned as president to pursue the premiership, with parliamentary Speaker Ana Brnabic serving as acting president pending a separate presidential election due before the end of the year.
The student movement’s victory marks a significant challenge to Serbia’s established political order, but its ability to translate its electoral mandate into government will depend on its leadership choice and implementation of promised reforms.
Source:AA
