Vučić Faces Student Bloc in Serbia's Closest Parliamentary Vote

Serbia goes to the polls on Sunday for parliamentary elections, where analysts predict a razor-thin margin of victory. The race pits incumbent leader Aleksandar Vučić against a student-driven list that has emerged from nearly two years of anti-corruption protests.

The opposition list was formed after 16 people died when a canopy collapsed at a railway station in Novi Sad, the country's second-largest city. Student assemblies at various universities selected 250 candidates, none of whom have prior political experience. Ilija Srdanović, a cardiologist and professor at Novi Sad University, heads the list. He arrived at a media interview riding a motorbike and wearing a high-visibility jacket. "It is absolutely normal to stand with my students to help them in their fair struggle," Srdanović said.

The group operates without a formal hierarchy. Srdanović is not designated as the leader and may not become prime minister even if the list wins. Other candidates include academics, engineers, and athletes. Aleksandra, a student at Novi Sad University, described the roster as a strength. "We've gathered people who are actually the best in their fields," she said.

Vučić has held executive office since 2012, serving as deputy prime minister, prime minister, and president. He stepped down as president last month to run for the premiership in this snap election. His supporters cite economic growth and infrastructure projects as evidence of his leadership. Vučić has characterized the student movement as foreign-backed and stated it aims to "bring down our state."

The Student List argues that Vučić and his Serbian Progressive Party control state institutions and media. An international observation mission from the 2023 election noted an "overwhelming ruling party advantage" due to media bias and the misuse of public resources. For the past 18 months, a pro-government camp has occupied a park in central Belgrade, where residents have clashed with journalists. Vučić describes the camp as a symbol of resistance.

The Novi Sad disaster remains a central issue because the station renovation was part of Vučić's high-speed rail project connecting Belgrade and Budapest. Magda Anastasijevic, an analyst at the conflict monitor ACLED, said Vučić usually survives crises by identifying a scapegoat. "This was not the case for the canopy," she noted.

Foreign policy is also in play, as Serbia balances EU talks with ties to Russia and China. Vučić warned that those links could vanish under the Student List. In the final days of the campaign, the ruling party held a rally at Belgrade Arena with Vučić as the sole speaker. A reported 150,000 people gathered in Slavija Square to hear from student candidates.