University students behind nearly two years of anti-government protests in Serbia formally entered the election race on Monday, challenging populist President Aleksandar Vucic ahead of an early parliamentary vote next month.
The youth movement submitted their election list to the state election authorities after a march through downtown Belgrade, the capital of the Balkan country. Thousands of people joined the gathering, expressing their support.
The upcoming vote is considered a significant test for Vucic, whose Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) has been in power for 14 years. The election is taking place amidst heightened political tensions and widespread public discontent.
The protests were initially sparked by a tragic incident on November 1, 2024, involving a train station canopy collapse in Novi Sad that resulted in 16 fatalities. Students have alleged that corruption contributed to flawed renovation work on the building and have demanded accountability.
These demonstrations, which at times drew hundreds of thousands of participants, have posed a considerable challenge to Vucic, who has held positions as Serbia's prime minister or president since 2014. The protesting students have advocated for an early parliamentary election for over a year.
"It is now time for us to take over the institutions of this country," said Milica Popovic, a student, addressing the crowd. She stated that her fellow students would demonstrate that "the law exists in Serbia and that justice is not the privilege of the chosen few."
President Vucic announced his intention to resign as president on September 27 to lead his SNS party's campaign. If the party wins, he aims to become prime minister. Serbia's constitution limits the presidency to two terms, and an early presidential election will be held separately.
The student-backed election list includes university professors, teachers, experts, and other individuals from various professional backgrounds.
Vucic has criticized his opponents, describing their list as "nameless, a list without a program, without plans, without anything." He has also accused the government of being the target of an extensive campaign of falsehoods, including allegations that authorities employed a sonic weapon against peaceful protesters during a large gathering in Belgrade last March.
The SNS party and its allied Socialist Party have already submitted their tickets for the election. Several right-wing and centrist opposition parties are also expected to participate.
Vucic's response to the protesters has included pushing back against them, leading to international concern over police conduct and arbitrary detentions. He has also accused the students and their professors of intending to "destroy the state" with unspecified foreign backing.
Serbia's bid to join the European Union has seen its progress stall under Vucic's leadership, as he has maintained close ties with both Russia and China. Past elections in Serbia have been affected by irregularities and instances of violence.