Friday briefing: How a leaderless student group is challenging power in Serbia
Summary
In Serbia, a student-led group called Student List is challenging President Aleksandar Vučić in upcoming parliamentary elections. The movement grew out of protests sparked by a deadly accident in 2024 and aims to promote direct democracy and fight corruption after years of Vučić’s rule.Key Facts
- The Student List is a leaderless, grassroots political movement formed by young people in Serbia.
- It started after a deadly collapse at a railway station in Novi Sad in November 2024 that killed 16 people.
- Protests began against government corruption and poor safety standards related to the accident.
- President Vučić has been in power for 12 years and is running to become prime minister in a recent switch.
- Student List has about 250 candidates, including academics, actors, musicians, and farmers.
- Each candidate is approved by a citizens’ assembly, reflecting the movement’s focus on direct democracy.
- Some polls show Student List gaining support as citizens grow frustrated with Vučić’s government.
- The group hopes to follow the example of defeating authoritarian leaders in neighboring countries.
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