Serbian Students Challenge Longtime Leader in Early Parliamentary Elections

Serbian students challenge the ruling populist government in high-stakes early parliamentary elections.

Serbia is preparing for early parliamentary elections on October 25 following years of anti-corruption demonstrations led by students. The political unrest began after a deadly railway station disaster in Novi Sad killed 16 people in 2024. Both student activists and the ruling populist party are holding final rallies as the nation braces for a tightly contested vote.

• The catalystA catastrophic railway station canopy collapse in Novi Sad killed 16 people nearly two years ago.
• The oppositionA student-led anti-corruption movement has gained significant momentum across the country.
• The contextPopulist leader Aleksandar Vucic has maintained political dominance in Serbia for 14 years.
• The concernsObservers note mounting fears over alleged government surveillance and the intimidation of political critics.

What's new · 20h agoCampaign rallies have intensified ahead of the October 25 parliamentary vote, with student activists and political leaders making their final appeals.

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