Serbia’s student movement brought down Vučić’s hold on power, but students won’t take office

A tragedy sparks protests

The movement began after a concrete canopy collapsed outside Novi Sad train station on 1 November 2024, killing 16 people. Student blockades and weekly demonstrations demanding justice spread from university campuses and city streets.

The protests developed into a national campaign against corruption and government negligence, drawing support from farmers, actors and judges. Helena Ivanov of the Henry Jackson Society described the collapse as the moment that pushed people to act.

From protests to election

The movement had no obvious leaders or established political base, but its Student List-Students Win campaign drew anti-government voters from across Serbian society. By the time Aleksandar Vučić called snap elections, the campaign had organised supporters and prepared people to monitor polling stations. As supporters gathered in Belgrade, Novi Sad and Niš, the students declared on social media that “Serbia is free.” Lead candidate and cardiologist Ilija Srdanović said the movement’s energy could not be stopped.

Students stay out of parliament

Although the student movement won the election, no student was elected: students did not stand as candidates. The decision was deliberate, as voters might not have backed candidates with little life experience.

Srdanović led the Student List’s candidates, but was not considered a likely prime minister. Šoškić’s name was also raised for the top job; he had discussed economic reforms and faced criticism in pro-government media.

Promises and political pressure

The elected MPs are expected to pursue the movement’s pledges: tackling corruption through a police unit, removing officials accused of breaking rules or links to organised crime, and reforming the media and public broadcaster. Vučić’s SNS party denies corruption and attempts to influence the media. Vučić conceded defeat but alleged, without evidence, that unnamed European countries and the American deep state backed the students. He later told supporters the movement would be defeated “faster than they think.”