Serbian student movement eyes power after election triumph

Belgrade: The student-led movement known as the "Student List" has secured a clear majority in Serbia's parliament following a historic election victory, according to wire reports. The outcome came after widespread protests that began in response to the 2024 collapse of a canopy at Novi Sad railway station, which killed 16 people and was widely blamed on corruption.

The movement, which was made up of students from various fields, called for an early election and focused on fighting corruption. The Students' List secured 53% of the vote, compared to 39% for Aleksandar Vucic's Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), based on 96% of the count. With a near-record turnout of almost 70%, the movement's victory is seen as a major upset and a sign of growing youth-led activism across Europe.

While political analysts say it remains unclear whether a similar model could work in other countries, the Students' List is expected to prioritize institutional reform and the rule of law, which could bring Serbia closer to EU membership.