A student-led opposition movement in Serbia held a rally in Belgrade on Thursday, October 22, ahead of the parliamentary election scheduled for Sunday, October 25, 2026. Around 150,000 people attended the gathering, according to estimates by the independent organisation Archive of Public Gatherings. The movement, organised under the name Students’ List, is seeking to challenge the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), which has been in power since 2012.
Former President Aleksandar Vučić is contesting the parliamentary election with the aim of becoming prime minister. The student movement is seeking public support on the issues of corruption and government accountability, positioning itself against the ruling party.
The rally was held three days before the election, with supporters filling Slavija Square and surrounding streets. Demonstrators raised slogans including “Students will win” and “Victory”. Many participants also switched on their mobile phone lights in support of the movement.
The students say their campaign aims not only to change the government but also to address corruption and strengthen the rule of law. The movement has also attracted people who have long been dissatisfied with traditional political parties.
The student movement began in November 2024, following an accident at the railway station in the northern city of Novi Sad, where a concrete canopy collapsed, killing 16 people. Allegations of corruption and negligence in railway construction projects emerged after the incident.
Students subsequently demanded an impartial investigation and action against officials responsible for the accident. Protests against the government gradually spread across Serbia, with university students organising demonstrations and calling for early elections.
After nearly two years of protests, the students decided to enter the electoral contest. This led to the formation of Students’ List, which includes teachers, social activists and people without backgrounds in traditional politics.
Aleksandar Vučić has been among the most influential figures in Serbian politics for the past decade. His party, the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), has been in power since 2012. Vučić has served two terms as president.
He resigned from the presidency on September 27, 2026, to contest the parliamentary election and seek the position of prime minister. Following his resignation, parliamentary speaker Ana Brnabić became acting president.
During the election campaign, Vučić has highlighted new roads, hospitals and development projects. He has also accused the student movement of attempting to destabilise the country with support from foreign powers. The student organisation has rejected the allegations, maintaining that its campaign represents an ordinary citizens’ movement against corruption.
During the campaign, Vučić referred to support from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking to state broadcaster RTS, he said Putin had expressed the hope that he would become prime minister.
Serbia seeks membership in the European Union, but its close relations with Russia have continued to raise questions.
In September, European countries also expressed dissatisfaction over government support for the funeral of Ratko Mladić, the former Bosnian Serb military commander convicted of war crimes.
Critics of Vučić have accused him of restricting media freedom and weakening democratic institutions. Vučić has repeatedly denied these allegations.
