“It’s time!” : the student movement, the main rival of the power in place for the legislative elections in Serbia on Sunday

The accident in Novi Sad two years ago left 16 dead and provoked an unprecedented protest movement, led by students. For months, discontent was heard throughout the country: blockades of campuses, occupation of public space in the streets of the cities of Novi Sad, Nis and Belgrade. Demonstrations which sometimes brought together up to 100,000 people, in a country which has less than seven million inhabitants, despite police violence and media censorship.

The opposition accused local authorities, but also national authorities, of fraud during the renovation of the concrete glass roof in Novi Sad. A symbol, for them, of the corruption that plagues the entire country. For months, they demanded a transparent investigation, and ended up obtaining the holding of early legislative elections. Today, their demands are carried by a list which finds itself in a position to compete with the power in place.

Candidates from the intellectual and sporting elite, and a priority: the fight against organized crime and corruption

This list, called Students Win, brings together students of course, but also university professors, teachers, experts, and even former athletes. In all, 250 academics and public figures, selected during plenary student assemblies. The head of the list is Ilija Srdanovic, 54, cardiologist, professor at the Medical University of Novi Sad. At his side, the Serbian basketball star, Dejan Bodiroga, 53 years old, current president of the Euroleague basketball, Dejan Soskic, former governor of the Serbian central bank, the philosopher Aleksandar Baucal, actors... Figures from the country's intellectual elite. The party aims to be reformist, democratic and anti-corruption.

Its program (the Student Plan) is a program of rupture with the power in place. It focuses on the fight against corruption and organized crime, as well as education, housing and health. The students asked the opposition parties to support them and not to present candidates against their list. In September, when the first 30 names on the list were revealed, a French teacher exulted: “This is the moment for unity,” she said, “for association and solidarity between citizens!” According to polls cited by regional television N1, this list could collect 37% to 45% of voting intentions, compared to 47% to 48% for that of the government in place. Thursday, October 22, thousands of people welcomed students from all over Serbia for their last major mobilization before Sunday's vote.

Aleksander Vučić, from president to prime minister?

At the end of September, President Aleksandr Vučić announced his resignation. A strategic political maneuver, with the firm intention of running for the key position of Prime Minister, to maintain the reality of power after the anticipated legislative elections. Elected president for the first time in 2017 and re-elected in May 2022, Aleksander Vučić seems to have no intention of giving up power. His United Serbia party has mobilized all the resources of the state and the media for its benefit. Hours before his resignation, he used his constitutional powers to pardon dozens of people, including students and party loyalists, suspected of offenses committed during the protests.

A few weeks ago, Zoran Kesic, star presenter of a popular satirical show, since canceled, opened his program with this warning: "These elections will determine whether our children will stay here." For the organization Reporters Without Borders, the country is entering "the last phase of control over the media." This October 25 election promises to be a real referendum on the democratic future of Serbia.