Serbia’s student movement toppled a political giant. Can it now govern the country?

Belgrade, Serbia witnessed a historic moment on October 26 as the student-led protest movement ousted longtime leader Aleksandar Vucic in parliamentary elections. The Students' List, a coalition of academics, lawyers, doctors, farmers, and musicians, secured a majority, marking a significant shift in Serbia's political landscape. However, the jubilation quickly gave way to questions about the movement's ability to govern effectively.

While thousands celebrated in the streets, concerns arose over the movement's lack of experience in governance. Teneo Global Research noted that bureaucratic resistance and the candidates' limited track record could pose challenges to the transition. The movement, which began in response to a railway station collapse and corruption, had no clear figurehead but garnered widespread support.

The Students' List has outlined its priorities, including an anti-corruption program and EU accession, but doubts linger about whether the diverse group can form a cohesive government. Prominent figures on the list, such as cardiologist Ilija Srdanovic and former central bank governor Dejan Soskic, remain uncertain of ministerial positions. The movement's candidates have 90 days to form a government, a tight timeline given the urgent need to address Serbia's budget deficits and corruption.

Bozo Prelevic, a Belgrade-based lawyer, warned that Vucic's Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) would likely remain a strong opposition force, making it difficult for the new government to enact change. Vucic and the SNS denied accusations of repression and corruption, while Russia, Serbia's primary trading partner, praised Vucic without congratulating the student movement. Ukraine, a beneficiary of Serbian weapons, and European officials offered congratulations and support for the students' fight against corruption.

As Serbia faces the daunting task of deconstructing a system entrenched under Vucic's 14-year rule, the success of the student movement's governance experiment remains to be seen.