Student movement challenges Vučić in Serbian parliamentary election

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 13:44 · Archive

A student-led opposition movement is mounting the strongest challenge to Aleksandar Vučić's rule in Serbia's parliamentary elections.

A student-led opposition movement has emerged as the strongest challenge to Serbian leader Aleksandar Vučić in parliamentary elections. The Student List arose from nearly two years of anti-corruption protests triggered by the deaths of 16 people when a railway station canopy collapsed in Novi Sad, Serbia's second city.

The movement selected 250 candidates through student assemblies at university faculties, rather than running established politicians. Ilija Srdanović, a cardiologist and professor at Novi Sad University, heads the list. 'It is absolutely normal to stand with my students to help them in their fair struggle,' Srdanović told the BBC.

Vučić has led Serbia since 2012, serving successively as deputy prime minister, prime minister and president. He called snap elections last month and stood down as president to run again for prime minister. The elections could prove pivotal for Serbia's political future and its direction between the EU and Russia, according to Al Jazeera.

How it is being reported

• Serbia elections test student movement demanding justice for 16 victimsSerbia elections test student movement demanding justice for 16 victimsAl Jazeera · 24 Oct, 13:18
• Student movement takes Serbia's Vučić to the wire in neck-and-neck electionThe Student List has emerged from almost two years of anti-corruption protests to form the biggest challenge to Vučić's rule.BBC World · 24 Oct, 00:08

In this story: Aleksandar Vučić · Ilija Srdanović · Serbia · Novi Sad · The Student List · Serbian Progressive Party

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem