The recent parliamentary election in Serbia saw a student-led movement emerge victorious, challenging the long-standing political establishment. This movement originated on November 1, 2024, when a tragic incident occurred at a railway station in Novi Sad, resulting in the deaths of 16 individuals due to a collapsed concrete canopy. The incident ignited widespread public outrage, particularly concerning alleged corruption and negligence in infrastructure projects.

In the aftermath of the disaster, students began to mobilise, initiating protests that included blockades at university faculties. They demanded accountability and transparency from public officials, seeking the release of documents related to the renovation of the railway station. Initially, these protests were small in scale, but they quickly gained traction, drawing in a diverse group of supporters, including teachers, farmers, and ordinary citizens.

By January 2025, the protests had intensified significantly, leading to the resignation of then Prime Minister Milos Vucevic. The movement culminated in March, when hundreds of thousands participated in a major demonstration in Belgrade, marking one of the largest anti-government protests in Serbia in recent history. The students’ message was clear: public institutions must be accountable to the citizens they serve.

Electoral Promises and the Appeal of Free Textbooks

As the movement prepared for the elections, its agenda expanded beyond the initial demands for accountability regarding the railway disaster. The Student List, the political entity formed by the movement, presented an 11-point programme that included the promise to provide free textbooks to all primary and secondary school students, regardless of their location. This pledge resonated strongly with families across the country, addressing a pressing concern related to educational costs.

The programme also included commitments to make educational excursions and extracurricular activities more affordable, enhance public education, and protect schools and universities from external pressures. The focus on free textbooks was particularly significant, as it connected the movement’s political goals with the everyday lives of citizens, bridging the gap between student protesters and parents.

In addition to educational reforms, the Student List proposed the establishment of a special prosecutorial police force, increased scrutiny of public officials’ assets, and measures to lower the cost of medicines. These proposals formed part of a comprehensive political agenda that aimed to address broader societal issues while maintaining the momentum generated by the initial protests.

Transitioning from Protest to Governance

The challenge for the student-led movement was to convert widespread support into electoral success. Instead of aligning with traditional opposition parties, they fielded a list of 250 candidates chosen through student-led assemblies. This list included a diverse array of individuals, such as academics, healthcare professionals, and artists, many of whom had no prior experience in politics.

According to reports, the movement employed door-to-door campaigning, peaceful marches, and a decentralised organisational structure to maintain engagement with the electorate. They focused particularly on smaller communities, where residents expressed concerns about neglected public services and infrastructure. This grassroots approach culminated in the parliamentary elections held on October 25, where preliminary results indicated that the Student List could secure a majority.

The victory represents a significant turning point for the movement, but governing presents a new set of challenges. The Student List must now translate its promises regarding free textbooks, affordable healthcare, and anti-corruption measures into actionable policies and effective governance. The decentralised structure that facilitated their rise will be tested as they navigate the complexities of decision-making in government.

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