Serbians Decide Between Vučić and Student Slate in Tight Vote

Serbia goes to the polls on Sunday in a parliamentary election that analysts predict will be extremely close. The race pits Aleksandar Vučić, the country's long-serving leader, against a student-driven movement that has emerged from nearly two years of anti-corruption protests.

The Student List originated after 16 people died when a canopy collapsed at a railway station in Novi Sad, the second-largest city. University assemblies selected 250 candidates for the slate, none of whom have prior political backgrounds. The group includes academics, athletes, economists, and engineers. Ilija Srdanović, a cardiologist and professor at Novi Sad University, heads the list. He arrived for a media interview on a motorbike wearing a fluorescent yellow jacket with pro-student slogans. "It is absolutely normal to stand with my students to help them in their fair struggle," Srdanović said.

The movement lacks a formal hierarchy or a single nominated leader. Srdanović tops the ballot but is not the official leader and would not automatically become prime minister if the group wins power. A student at Novi Sad University, who identified herself only as Aleksandra, described the diverse roster as a strength. "We've gathered people who are actually the best in their fields," she said.

Vučić has held top government roles since 2012, serving as deputy prime minister, prime minister, and president. He called the snap election last month and stepped down as president to run for prime minister. He retains support from many Serbians who view him as a strong defender of national interests. He points to economic growth and infrastructure improvements over the past decade as evidence of his administration's success. He has characterized the student movement as foreign-backed and intent on "bringing down our state."

Critics argue that Vučić and his Serbian Progressive Party control state institutions and media coverage. The International Election Observation Mission noted an "overwhelming ruling party advantage" after the 2023 vote, citing "bias in the media" and the "misuse of public office and resources." A pro-government camp has occupied a small park in central Belgrade for 18 months. Residents of the camp have repeatedly attacked journalists, a move Vučić called "a symbol of resistance." Party leaders did not respond to interview requests.

The Novi Sad disaster remains a major obstacle for Vučić because the station renovation was part of his flagship high-speed rail project to Budapest. Magda Anastasijevic, an Eastern Europe analyst at the conflict monitor ACLED, noted that Vučić usually survives crises by finding a scapegoat. "This was not the case for the canopy," she said.

Foreign policy issues have also entered the campaign. Serbia maintains EU membership talks while keeping close ties with Russia and China, both of which refuse to recognize Kosovo's independence. Vučić warned that those links could be severed under a Student List government. He asked at a rally if the group would impose sanctions on Russia. In the final days before the vote, the ruling party filled Belgrade Arena with Vučić as the sole speaker. Meanwhile, a reported 150,000 people gathered in Slavija Square to hear student candidates speak.