Serbia heads to the polls on Sunday, with a significant student protest movement aiming to unseat the long-time populist leader, Aleksandar Vucic. This election is being described as the most challenging test for Vucic during his decade-long rule.
The snap parliamentary elections, called by Vucic in September, follow nearly two years of demonstrations led by students against rising authoritarianism and corruption, ignited by the tragic death of 16 individuals from a roof collapse in Novi Sad in 2024. The protests have garnered widespread support from the public.
Characterized by protesters as a “referendum against Vucic,” this election provides the 6.4 million voters a fresh chance to consider a shift in power for the first time since 2012.
Could Vucic Lose Power Like Orban?
Long lines were observed at polling stations in Belgrade and Novi Sad before voting commenced at 7 AM. Polling concludes at 8 PM (9 PM in Romania), with preliminary results expected a couple of hours later.
A victory for the students could signify a profound political shift in this Balkan nation of approximately six million residents, reminiscent of Viktor Orban’s recent defeat in Hungary.
This outcome might also serve as a model for other student movements across Europe, which have recently protested—sometimes violently—against poor educational standards and a lack of prospects.
Despite the challenges, Vucic, who resigned from his second presidential term to run again as prime minister, remains a formidable candidate. Many voters credit him with lifting Serbia from economic obscurity and overseeing a sustained modernization period, which includes new highways, railways, schools, and hospitals.
“I came out early today because the students called us,” stated Ana, 30, at a polling station in Belgrade.
What Do the Polls Indicate?
Domestically, Vucic has promised higher pensions and wages for public sector employees, investments in healthcare, and subsidies for young couples.
Internationally, he has balanced closer ties with China, a major investor, and Russia, Serbia’s traditional ally and primary gas supplier, while keeping the door open for European Union membership.
The students’ domestic agenda focuses on combating corruption and improving education, though they have been more cautious regarding their international ambitions. Their list of 250 candidates, mostly unknown, includes university professors, actors, and farmers, and is led by cardiologist Ilija Srdanovic.
Opinion polls suggest a tight race. An Ipsos survey released Thursday shows Vucic’s Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) with 47% of the vote compared to 40% for the student coalition. However, other polls indicate that the students may be leading.
Deteriorating Relations with Brussels
Relations with the EU have soured as the Union grows increasingly frustrated with Serbia’s lack of judicial system reforms, rule of law, and corruption.
A report published this month following a visit to Serbia by a Council of Europe delegation highlighted the “hostile and aggressive rhetoric” directed at political opponents.
In September, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned large public funerals held in Belgrade for war criminal Ratko Mladic, asserting that such events contradict the “values underpinning Serbia’s journey towards the European Union.”
