Serbia’s student-led opposition has secured a landmark victory in the country’s parliamentary election, ending more than a decade of political dominance by Aleksandar Vucic and highlighting the growing influence of youth activism in shaping national politics. Vucic conceded defeat after the October 25, 2026, vote, with preliminary estimates indicating that the Student List movement could win between 135 and 140 seats in the 250-member parliament, compared with around 105 for his political camp.
The result marks a significant moment for a movement that emerged from university campuses and grew into a nationwide campaign for accountability, institutional reform and action against corruption. The protests began after a concrete canopy collapsed at the railway station in Novi Sad on November 1, 2024, killing 16 people. The tragedy triggered widespread public anger and demands for transparency over construction work and government oversight.
University students became the driving force behind the demonstrations, organising protests and campus blockades that attracted support from teachers, professors, professionals and other citizens. Over time, their demands expanded beyond an investigation into the railway disaster to include broader political reforms and an early election.
The movement, known as “Student List – Students Win,” entered the electoral contest with a candidate list featuring academics, doctors, activists and other professionals. Although university students led the protests, they did not stand as candidates themselves. The movement relied on collective decision-making and university assemblies to shape its political strategy and select candidates.
The election outcome underscores how students can extend their influence beyond educational institutions and become a major force in public life. Their campaign transformed years of campus activism into an electoral challenge capable of reshaping Serbia’s political landscape.
Related: Azerbaijan Hijab Crackdown Sparks Student Protests
However, the movement now faces the challenge of translating public support into effective governance. Its ability to strengthen public institutions, address corruption allegations and deliver the reforms demanded by protesters will determine whether its electoral success leads to lasting change.
