A student movement that started around two years ago in response to corruption allegations and a fallen railway station canopy that led to the deaths of many has now emerged as a major political force, with the Student List winning a projected parliamentary majority. Emerging from the protests, the movement has grown and secured a decisive electoral victory, proving that miracles do happen in political landscapes.
How the Student List came to be.
What started as open assemblies across university halls operating without the traditional political leader or spokespeople, demanding a sooner election, resulted in the president of 14 years, Aleksandar Vučić a snap election. And then the movement developed a rulebook in June 2025 with very specific rules for participation like, anyone having ties to the current political establishment or opposition will not be given a chance, nor will any student who is currently enrolled in university, causing local professionals from diverse backgrounds to register as candidates. making the total 250 registered candidates.
Many journalists have criticised President Aleksandar Vučić's government, accusing it of authoritarianism and corruption, while raising concerns about government influence over media houses, misinformation and growing public distrust. Some prominent journalists and observers have also warned that the country was moving towards authoritarian rule.
The voter turnout of nearly 70% and the victory of the Student List showcase many things.
It showed that the student-led movement was able to grow beyond its universities and reach workers and middle-class people, with long queues also reported at polling stations abroad as Serbs outside the country gathered to vote in London and Chicago.
It shows that Serbia is about to enter a new era of politics, with the demands of students and ordinary people in mind and young voters and politicians taking their demands from a movement into parliament now.
It shows how frustrated Serbians were with their existing political parties, leading them to give a chance to a movement that was so new to electoral politics.
This is hope.
We cannot help but draw similarities with the criticism our own government faces. Serbia has shown a path for students that is not limited to Gandhian-style protests, but rather a legitimate political cry that is decentralised and not in the hands of a few people.
We hopefully look forward to what the future of Serbian governance, politics and foreign policy might look like from now on, under the policies of the Student List.
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