On September 14, 2026, the "Student list - Students win" coalition formally entered Serbia's upcoming parliamentary election by submitting signatures in Belgrade.. This movement, fueled by two years of activism, aims to challenge the long-standing rule of President Aleksandar Vučić and the Serbian Progressive Party.
From 2024 street protests to the Republic Election Commission
The "Student list - Students win" movement has transitioned from grassroots activism to a formal political contender in Belgrade. According to the report, the group submitted thousands of signatures to the Republic Election Commission on September 14, 2026, to formalize their candidacy. This move represents the culmination of nearly two years of student-led demonstrations that first emerged in 2024.
The "Student list - Students win" group's entry into the political arena is marked by symbolic displays of civic pride, such as the use of a large replica of Belgrade's "Victor" monument during their recent march. led by spokesperson Milica Popović, the coalition includes a diverse array of professionals, including educators and researchers, who are campaigning on a platform of economic and environmental reform to challenge the existing power structure.
Vučić’s September 27 resignation and the SNS defensive strategy
President Aleksandar Vučić is preparing a strategic political maenuver ahead of the October 25 parliamentary elections. As reported, Vučić intends to resign from the presidency on September 27, though he will remain the leader of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) to head their election campaign. This move follows constitutional constraints that prevent him from seeking a second presidential term.
The ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) is expected to counter the student movement by framing it as a fringe force without a coherent policy program. This narrative mirrors tactics used by the party in previous election cycles to marginalize new political entrants. By positioning the students as disorganized outsiders, the SNS aims to maintain its long-standing dominance over Serbian national institutions and the upcoming parliamentary race.
The political fallout from the Novi Sad school collapse
Recent tragedies in Serbia have provided significant momentum to the "Student list - Students win" campaign. The movement has specifically cited the school building collapse in Novi Sad as a primary example of the corruption and bureaucratic neglect they aim to rectify. Students argue that such incidents are the direct result of an entrenched political machine that has become detached from the needs of ordinary citizens.
This connection between local tragedies and national governance has shifted the political discourse toward proactive civic engagement. the coalition seeks to replace the current administrative culture with one that ensures law and justice are applied equitably across all socio-economic backgrounds in Serbia, moving away from what they describe as reactionary governance.
Can the "Student list" translate momentum into October 25 seats?
The ability of the "Student list - Students win" coalition to secure actual parliamentary seats remains an unverified variable in the upcoming election. While the movement has significant symbolic energy, it is unclear how effectively they can compete against established right-wing and centrist opposition groups that have also submitted their own candidacies.
Furthermore, the report does not clarify how the "Student list - Students win" will manage the logistical challenges of a national campaign compared to the well-resourced SNS. It also remains to be seen if the movement's diverse ticket of professors and professionals can present a unified front that appeals to voters beyond the youth demographic before the October 25 vote.
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