A student-led political movement in Serbia has emerged as a major challenger to President Aleksandar Vucic’s political influence ahead of the country’s snap election scheduled for October 25, 2026.
The movement, operating under the name Student List–Students Win, has gained support from teachers, university professors, professionals and thousands of citizens demanding political and institutional reforms.
The movement began following the collapse of a concrete canopy at the renovated Novi Sad railway station on November 1, 2024, which killed 16 people. The tragedy triggered widespread public outrage over alleged corruption, construction safety and government oversight.
Since then, student-led demonstrations have grown into one of Serbia’s largest protest movements in recent years, with participants calling for accountability and fundamental changes to the country’s political system.
Students Demand Political and Institutional Reforms
Kosta Golubovic, a law student at the University of Novi Sad who has participated in the movement since its early days, said Serbia needed a government that served the interests of ordinary citizens rather than criminal networks.
He cited concerns about the judiciary, alleged corruption, questionable privatisation deals, money laundering, declining rural communities and the weakening of public institutions as reasons for demanding change.
Although the students have not explicitly called for the overthrow of Vucic, their growing influence has created a significant challenge to the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
Vucic became prime minister in 2014 and was elected president in 2017. Although the presidency is traditionally largely ceremonial, he has maintained considerable influence over the ruling party and Serbian politics.
Opposition Accuses Ruling Party of Abuses
Opposition parties and rights organisations have accused Vucic and his allies of voter bribery, restricting media freedom, using violence against political opponents and maintaining links with organised crime.
Vucic and his supporters have denied the allegations.
Golubovic argued that the student movement had weakened the ruling party's political dominance and said its leaders were increasingly concerned about the possibility of losing public support.
The movement has adopted an organisational structure designed to prevent individual leaders from becoming targets of political pressure.
Instead of relying on a conventional leadership hierarchy, students use assemblies known as plenums, where participants debate proposals and vote on decisions. Working groups handle areas such as strategy, fundraising and security, while universities across different cities coordinate their activities.
The movement also emphasises peaceful demonstrations, democratic decision-making and cleaning up public spaces after protests.
Serbian peace activist Natasa Kandic said the students had maintained their focus despite what she described as attempts by groups associated with the authorities to intimidate protesters.
She also praised the movement's nonviolent approach, saying its demonstrations had introduced a different political culture characterised by humour, peaceful resistance and a rejection of political hostility.
Student Movement Unveils Reform Agenda
Despite criticism from state-affiliated media and allegations from some officials that the movement lacks a clear programme, its organisers say they have developed a comprehensive reform platform known as the Student Plan.
The programme contains 11 points divided into three sections and outlines proposed changes to Serbia's political and institutional system.
Ilija Srdanovic, a cardiologist and the movement's lead candidate and ballot representative, said the proposals deliberately avoid setting rigid deadlines because the full extent of the country's institutional problems must first be established.
Among the issues frequently raised during discussions are the creation of a specialised prosecutorial police unit, legislation requiring officials to explain the origins of their assets, transitional justice and the renovation of rural medical clinics.
The students argue that these measures would help restore public confidence in government institutions and address longstanding concerns about corruption and accountability.
Questions Remain Over Prospects for Change
Despite the movement's growing popularity, questions remain about whether it could deliver far-reaching reforms if it wins the election.
Kandic expressed doubts about its ability to transform Serbia's political culture, particularly concerning historical disputes, attitudes towards Kosovo and relations with neighbouring countries.
Nevertheless, the October 25 snap election represents a major test for the student movement and the ruling establishment.
The outcome could determine whether the student-led campaign evolves into a successful political alternative or struggles to translate its protest momentum into electoral power.
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