Serbian Student Movement Orchestrates Political Upset, Ousting Long-Standing President
A grassroots movement, ignited by a tragic accident and fueled by anti-corruption sentiment, has successfully challenged and overturned 14 years of Aleksandar Vučić's political dominance.
A movement born from tragedy and fueled by widespread discontent over corruption has successfully dismantled 14 years of political dominance by President Aleksandar Vučić and his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). The "Student List-Students Win" movement, though fielding no student candidates, galvanized anti-government sentiment across Serbia, leading to euphoric celebrations in cities nationwide.
The movement's origins trace back to November 1, 2024, when a concrete canopy collapsed at the Novi Sad train station, killing 16 people. This disaster was widely seen as a symbol of systemic corruption, with critics linking the flawed renovation project to the president. "When the canopy collapsed that served as the last straw," noted Helena Ivanov of the Henry Jackson Society, triggering a national campaign that resonated with Serbians in a way no opposition party had achieved.
From Protests to Political Force
What began as student protests on university campuses and city streets evolved into a broad national movement, incorporating farmers, actors, and judges. The growing momentum led to significant political shifts, including the resignation of Vučić's prime minister in January 2025, aiming to "defuse tensions." The movement organized through student assemblies and plenums, culminating in Serbia's largest anti-government protest in Belgrade in March 2025.
By the time Vučić announced snap elections, the student-led movement was prepared. "They have been able to take that emotional momentum into a proper organisation and have people learn how to protect fairness at polling stations," explained Ivanov. Gordana Delić, head of the Balkans program at the German Marshall Fund of the US, characterized the vote as a referendum, stating, "The message was clear: the rule of law and not ruled by the law."
Initially, Vučić attempted to praise the protesters, but his tone shifted to accusations of attempting to "bring down" Serbia. Even after conceding defeat, he made unsubstantiated claims about foreign interference.
Navigating the New Political Landscape
The "Student List-Students Win" movement intentionally did not field students as candidates, recognizing that voters might be hesitant to elect individuals with limited political experience. Instead, the list featured prominent figures, including cardiology professor Ilija Srdanović, former basketball star Dejan Bodiroga, renowned actor Tihomir Stanić, and former National Bank of Serbia governor Dejan Šoškić.
While Srdanović was the top candidate, Šoškić has emerged as a potential figure for a leadership role, having articulated economic reform proposals and faced criticism from pro-government media.
The Movement's Programmatic Goals
The elected representatives are tasked with implementing the movement's 11-point program, which focuses on eradicating corruption, purging corrupt officials, reforming the media landscape to ensure independence from political control, and ending the practice of appointing party loyalists to head public enterprises.
The students emphasize that the elected individuals are entrusted with carrying the struggle from the streets into state institutions. Despite Vučić's assertions that the student movement would be defeated quickly, the movement asserts its commitment to fulfilling its promises to the Serbian people.