Serbia’s Student List takes its challenge to Vučić to the 25 October election
The student-led movement challenging Aleksandar Vučić’s 14-year political dominance is contesting Serbia’s snap parliamentary election with a list of 250 candidates, mostly academics and professionals chosen through student assemblies. The protests began after 16 people died when a canopy at Novi Sad railway station collapsed in November 2024; the movement’s campaign centres on anti-corruption and the rule of law, according to The Guardian and The Loop.
Bottom line — The 25 October vote tests whether the Student List can turn a protest movement into parliamentary power.
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The Loop reports that no students are candidates; cardiologist and professor Ilija Srdanović heads the list.
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The Loop says plenums vetoed 38 candidates and substitutes in September, but cannot remove MPs after they are elected.
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According to The Guardian, a CRTA and Stanford University survey in July put support for the students at 45%, against 36% for the Serbian Progressive Party; later domestic polls put the party ahead.
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The Guardian reports that a CRTA survey found 69% of Serbian television airtime went to the ruling majority in September.
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The Guardian says the students plan to deploy an unprecedented number of election monitors amid past allegations of vote-buying, intimidation and ballot stuffing.
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Newsday reports that several right-wing and centrist opposition parties will also contest the election.