Politics · 2026-10-21 · Morning briefing

Serbia's student movement challenges Vučić at the ballot box

After two years of sustained protests, a Serbian student movement is challenging Aleksandar Vučić’s 12-year grip on power in parliamentary elections this Sunday. The group, known as Student List, is fielding 250 candidates, over 160 of whom hold doctorates, in a bid to emulate the recent electoral defeat of Mr Vučić's ally, Viktor Orbán, in neighbouring Hungary.

The movement coalesced after the collapse of a concrete canopy at Novi Sad railway station in November 2024 killed 16 people. When students held a vigil for the victims, they were attacked by a mob linked to the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), transforming a local tragedy into a nationwide protest.

A July survey put support for the students at 45%, ahead of the SNS at 36%. Mr Vučić responded by resigning the presidency on September 28th to trigger the snap election, aiming to become prime minister. His campaign has since intensified, with 129 television appearances in August alone—a fourfold increase on the month prior.

Summary written by Cup of News with AI from the sources below. Check the originals for the full story.

Read the sources

• A student protest movement has gripped Serbia for two years. This weekend it will try to take power
• In Serbia, students challenge nationalist-populist Vučić
• Serbian student movement challenges Vučić ahead of October elections
• Serbia Ahead Of Snap Parliamentary Elections: Political Legitimacy, Student Movement And Prospects For Country’s Future Development – Analysis
• Serbia’s populist President Vucic resigns to run for Prime Minister at early vote

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