Friday briefing: Serbia’s leaderless student group challenges power as protests seek electoral change

A tragedy fuels demands for change

On 1 November 2024, a concrete canopy collapsed at Novi Sad’s railway station, killing 16 people. The victims included six-year-old Sara Firic, who was sitting with her grandfather and older sister.

The disaster became a rallying point for demands for accountability and inclusive democracy. The student movement has presented itself as a grassroots, leaderless challenge to what it sees as growing authoritarianism under President Aleksandar Vučić’s Serbian Progressive party, or SNS.

Student List mobilises voters

Vučić resigned and called a snap parliamentary election after pressure mounted, while seeking to consolidate his 12 years in power through a move to become prime minister. Polling is mixed: some surveys indicate Student List is ahead, while others suggest the SNS is gaining support.

Volunteers have canvassed door to door and run an “A student in every village” programme aimed at rural voters. A democratic citizens’ assembly coordinates the effort, which rests on the belief that higher turnout among disaffected voters could benefit Student List.

In Belgrade’s Krnjača suburb, a volunteer canvassing team received a broadly positive response, according to Julian. He cautioned that views in outer suburbs and rural areas may differ from those among urban residents.

Campaign centres on governance

The movement’s demands focus on how the country is governed. Its slogan, “Serbia or mafia?”, refers to allegations of links between the SNS and organised crime; the government denies those allegations. Student List says it wants a system based on rules and the constitution, rather than what it describes as crony capitalism tied to connections with the SNS.