Students from Serbian universities who have been active in anti-government protests for nearly two years officially entered the electoral competition ahead of the early parliamentary elections on October 25 on Monday, challenging Aleksandar Vucic, the populist president of the country.
A Major Test for Vucic
The October 25 elections are seen as a major test for Vucic, as his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) has maintained a firm grip on power since coming to office 14 years ago. These elections are taking place amid rising political tensions, as populists strive to remain in power despite widespread public discontent.
Read more: European Commission Seeks Access to Russian Assets for Ukraine
Background of the Protests
The protests began after a disaster at a train station on November 1, 2024, where 16 people died in northern Serbia. Students demanded accountability for the collapse of a concrete canopy in Novi Sad and claimed that corruption led to malpractices in the renovation of this building.
Nearly daily demonstrations, which sometimes drew hundreds of thousands into the streets, have significantly impacted Vucic and posed a serious challenge to him. This is the first time protests of this magnitude have occurred since he came to power in 2012. Vucic has served as either Prime Minister or President in Serbia since 2014.
Protesting students have been calling for early parliamentary elections for over a year, but Vucic seems to have been waiting until he feels he has enough power to compete.
Milica Popovic told the crowd present on Monday that her classmates would show that "the law exists in Serbia and justice is not a private right." She added, "You told us not to give up, and we have not given up. Now is the time for us to take the institutions of this country into our own hands."
Vucic announced that he would resign from the presidency on September 27 to lead the Serbian Progressive Party's campaign and would serve as Prime Minister if he wins. He can no longer run for the presidency, as the Serbian constitution imposes a two-term limit for this position.
The list supported by the students includes university professors, teachers, experts, and individuals from all walks of life. On Monday, the crowd in Belgrade chanted "Victory" and marched towards the headquarters of the Serbian National Electoral Commission. Participants carried a large banner reading "Students are Victorious" along with a replica of the Belgrade Victor monument.
Vucic described his main rivals as "an unnamed list, a list without a program, without a plan, and without anything" and referred to complex accusations against his government. He also accused the students and their professors of attempting to "destroy the government" under unspecified foreign guidance.
Read more: Stunning Victory for Germany's Far Right with a Friendly Face · Parliamentary Elections to be Held in the Autonomous Region of the Philippines
Source: abcnews.com
