A Historic Victory For Students: Can The New Government Change Serbia?
- 26.10.2026, 16:40
The winners have the opportunity to revitalize the country.
Serbia's student protest movement scored a historic victory in the parliamentary elections, putting an end to the long-standing rule of Aleksandar Vučić. However, the new government will have to address issues that have complicated the country’s relations with the West and hindered domestic reforms for years—ranging from Kosovo’s status to dependence on Russian energy resources and corruption, writes Reuters.
One of the main challenges will be Kosovo. The Student List considers the region an integral part of Serbia and advocates for its return through diplomatic means. At the same time, the movement rejects a number of previous agreements with Pristina. This position complicates Serbia’s rapprochement with the European Union, which requires the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Kosovo.
The issue of relations with Russia will be no less complicated. The new leaders do not plan to join the EU’s sanctions against Moscow. At the same time, Serbia depends on Russian gas supplies, and the country’s only oil refinery, linked to the Russian company NIS, operates on its territory. The future government will have to ensure oil supplies amid U.S. sanctions and the expected sale of Russia’s stake in Hungary’s MOL.
Another promise from the winners is a large-scale fight against corruption. They propose creating an independent police unit, banning the appointment of party supporters to leadership positions in state-owned companies, and scrutinizing major infrastructure contracts.
On the economic front, the movement intends to combat trade monopolies, lower food prices, and reduce the tax burden on low-income citizens. Social initiatives include affordable housing for young families, free school textbooks, and cheaper medications.
However, future leaders have yet to identify key positions and turn campaign promises into concrete decisions.
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