Students mobilize against Vucic

Serbian university students who led nearly two years of anti-corruption protests are now running for parliament on October twenty-fifth to defeat Aleksandar Vucic's bid to return as prime minister.

A train tragedy sparked the movement

The student movement began after a train station tragedy in Serbia's north killed sixteen people in November two thousand twenty-four. Students blamed rampant corruption and demanded accountability.

Protests forced a government collapse

The students' call for accountability found widespread support. Protests spread across Serbia, forcing a government collapse and rattling Vucic, who previously served as president.

Why students won't give up

Psychology professor Aleksandar Baucal, an early supporter now on their election ticket, says the students' drive is rooted in growing up in a deeply unjust society.

“They realized that if they gave up, they would give up on their lives.”

A leaderless, democratic movement

The students have no leader or spokesperson. All important decisions are discussed and voted on in faculty assemblies across the country, creating a stark contrast to Vucic's one-man rule.

“It has been important for us to dismantle the personality cult.”

Students' List candidates and platform

The Students' List includes teachers, professors, experts, athletes, farmers and artists chosen through proposals and vetting at universities nationwide. They aim to rebuild democratic institutions and hold fair elections.

Vucic controls election machinery

Vucic has campaigned fiercely since resigning as president last month. His Serbian Progressive Party controls election authorities and the judiciary. International monitors and the European Union have expressed concerns about vote safety and fairness.

Fears of violence and disputed results

Analysts fear both sides could claim victory on election night and that Vucic would not concede defeat if he loses. Experts worry the outcome could trigger extreme violence.

“we all fear extreme violence.”