Studentska lista challenges SNS in heated Serbian election campaign

Studentska lista Serbian elections Ilija Srdanović Aleksandar Vučić political campaign

As Serbia approaches the parliamentary elections on October 25, the political landscape is marked by intense conflict between the ruling SNS and the rising Studentska lista, led by cardiologist Ilija Srdanović. Recent polls show varying results, with some placing the Studentska lista ahead of the SNS, while others show the SNS in the lead.

Ana Brnabić, Vice President of the SNS Main Board, has condemned a video released by students from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts (FDU), describing it as “monstrous” and alleging it contains threats of sexual violence against Aleksandar Vučić, specifically citing a frame featuring soap in a prison cell. She has appealed to European partners to condemn these actions as anti-democratic.

In response to the campaign, the ruling party has accused the Studentska lista of using intimidation and dehumanizing rhetoric. Conversely, opposition figures like Đorđe Stanković have warned that political parties must reform or face extinction, while others have raised concerns regarding potential election manipulation through voter lists in Kosovo.

Entities

Aleksandar Vučić · Ana Brnabić · Demokratska stranka · Dragan Đilas · Green-Left Front · Ilija Srdanović · Radomir Lazović · SNS · Serbia · Serbian Progressive Party · Smederevo · Student List

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] New hires for teacher positions include unqualified individuals or those with suspicious diplomas.
[● 3 SOURCES] The dismissals aim to remove teachers who supported protests or held differing opinions.
[● 3 SOURCES] A new wave of dismissals occurred in September.
[● 3 SOURCES] More than 100 teachers and 75 directors were terminated at the beginning of the last school year.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Commissioner for Equality, Milan Antonijević, called on citizens and political parties to report pre-election materials containing hate speech or discrimination.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Student Tara Jovanović stated that opposition parties must be responsible to their voters regarding the electoral threshold to ensure votes do not go to the regime.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Minister Darko Glisic described the Student List as a group of misogynists and tricksters.
[● 4 SOURCES] Ana Brnabić stated that campaign videos associated with the Student List convey messages of revenge, intimidation, and the humiliation of women. nsuzivo.rs · www.vecernji.ba · pogled.ba
[○ 1 SOURCE] Dragan Đilas claimed that nine out of eleven points in the Student List program are already included in the SSP program.
[● 2 SOURCES] Aleksandar Vučić announced he will step down as president on September 27 to run for Prime Minister in the October 25 elections. www.epokaere.com · javanews.al
[● 3 SOURCES] Political parties must either reform and consolidate or they will cease to exist. serbiantimes.info · resetka.rs
[● 2 SOURCES] Serbian Education Minister Dejan Vuk Stanković stated that schools should not serve as platforms for political action or party propaganda.