Serbia election campaign sees clashes between students and ruling party

Tensions have escalated in Serbia during the pre-election campaign for the parliamentary elections scheduled for October 25. In Aleksinac, a direct confrontation occurred between supporters of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and the student movement list ‘Students Win’. Reports indicate that citizens gathered in significant numbers around the student stands, leading to friction in the town center.

Similar tensions were noted in Niš, where the student movement reported that SNS stands were placed in locations previously announced by students for their program presentations. Student representatives characterized these actions as attempts to obstruct direct contact with citizens. The ‘Students Win’ list, which emerged following protests after the Novi Sad railway station roof collapse in November 2024, has officially been confirmed by the Republic Electoral Commission with 250 candidates.

The upcoming election presents a choice between the leadership of President Aleksandar Vučić, focused on infrastructure and sovereignty, and various opposition groups and blockade movements. The political atmosphere remains charged as different factions compete for influence across southern Serbia.