Serbia elections will be held on Sunday, and the student movement, which has influenced the country over the past two years, is seeking to end Aleksandar Vučić's rule and his party. Polls indicate a close competition between the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and the new student list, which particularly enjoys support from the youth.
Background of the Student Movement
This election comes after nearly two years of student protests that began following the collapse of a structure at a train station in the city of Novi Sad in 2024. These protests, which arose from calls for accountability from authorities, have become the largest social movement in Serbia since the fall of Slobodan Milošević in 2000.
Vučić's Participation in the Elections
Aleksandar Vučić, who has dominated Serbian politics for over a decade, resigned as president to run for prime minister after announcing early elections last month. He is seeking to end 14 years of rule by his right-wing populist party, SNS. The student movement hopes to replicate the success of Péter Márki-Zay in Hungary in April, where he managed to defeat Vučić's ally, Viktor Orbán.
Polling stations will be open from 7 AM to 8 PM local time. This election is seen as a test for Vučić's political future and the student movement's ability to change the political landscape of the country.
The competition in this election could have profound implications for the future of Serbia and the stability of the Balkan region. While the Serbian Progressive Party seeks to maintain power, the student list has emerged as a symbol of the youth's demands for change and political reform. This election is significant not only for Serbia but for the entire Balkan region.
