Serbian voters weigh 150,000-strong student bloc against long-term leader Vučić

Serbians cast ballots on Sunday in a parliamentary contest that analysts predict will yield an extremely close result. The election pits President Aleksandar Vučić, who has led the country in various capacities since 2012, against the Student List, a movement without a traditional hierarchy or nominated leader. Reliable polling data is scarce, but the race marks a sharp departure from Serbia’s recent political history, offering voters a choice between a single strong figure and a collective approach.

The Student List emerged from nearly two years of anti-corruption protests. The demonstrations began after 16 people died when a canopy collapsed at a railway station in Novi Sad, the country’s second city. Student-led assemblies at university faculties selected 250 candidates for the list. The group is headed by Ilija Srdanović, a cardiologist and professor at Novi Sad University, who is not considered the list’s leader. Srdanović arrived for an interview on a motorbike wearing a fluorescent yellow jacket. He stated that it is normal to stand with students to help them in their fair struggle. Other candidates include academics, athletes, economists, and engineers, none of whom have prior political experience.

Vučić, who stepped down as president to run for prime minister, maintains strong support among voters who view him as a defender of national interests. He cites economic growth and infrastructure improvements over the past decade. He has characterized the student movement as foreign-backed and intent on bringing down the state. His critics argue that he and the Serbian Progressive Party dominate state institutions and media. An international observation mission noted an overwhelming ruling party advantage in the 2023 election due to media bias and the misuse of public resources. A pro-government camp has occupied a park in central Belgrade for 18 months, with its residents frequently attacking journalists.

The Novi Sad disaster remains a central issue because the station renovation was part of the flagship Belgrade to Budapest high-speed rail project. Magda Anastasijevic, an analyst at ACLED, noted that Vučić typically survives crises by finding a scapegoat, but the canopy incident did not fit that pattern. Foreign policy has also entered the debate, with Vučić warning that Serbia’s close ties with Russia and China could be lost under a Student List government. He asked at a rally whether the group would impose sanctions on Russia.

Campaign rallies highlighted the differing strategies of the two sides. The ruling party filled Belgrade Arena with Vučić as the sole speaker. In contrast, a reported 150,000 people gathered in Slavija Square to hear from students and candidates. The Student List and its backers point to the large turnout in Slavija Square as evidence of a broad base of support for the new movement.

The election outcome will determine the next government in a country balancing EU membership talks with close relations to Russia and China. The Student List’s lack of a clear prime ministerial candidate remains a point of discussion among observers. Vučić’s camp continues to press its message of stability and strong leadership in the final days of the campaign.