Could Serbian students be the downfall of populist leader Aleksandar Vucic?

WorldPolitics
19 Oct 2026 • 9:28 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Could Serbian students be the downfall of populist leader Aleksandar Vucic?

  • Serbian university students have formed a major political force, the Students' List, to challenge Aleksandar Vucic's right-wing ruling party in the upcoming early parliamentary election.
  • The youth movement originated following a train station tragedy in November 2024 that killed 16 people, triggering widespread anti-corruption demonstrations.
  • Operating through democratic assemblies without a single leader, the movement aims to rebuild democratic institutions, combat corruption, and end Vucic's 14-year populist dominance.
  • Tens of thousands of supporters are expected to attend the students' final campaign rally in Belgrade ahead of the vote.
  • International observers and political analysts have raised concerns over potential election irregularities and the risk of political violence.

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