"In Serbia, students have conquered the government, not yet the power"

On October 25, during the Serbian legislative elections, the student-supported list defeated a powerful clientelist machine. This movement, lacking leadership and funds, achieved approximately 52.5% of the votes against Aleksandar Vucic's coalition, which garnered 39.3%. This election marked a significant shift, as the Socialist Party, a remnant of Slobodan Milosevic's era, failed to secure any seats. Despite the ruling Progressive Party's control over institutions and media, the students relied on independent media and social networks. The regime's clientelism fostered a sense of futility among the populace, leading many to abstain from voting. The students managed to break this fatalism, demonstrating that change was possible.