What if the best way to challenge an authoritarian leader is not to run at all?
That was the decision taken by ALDE Party member Movement of Free Citizens (PSG) ahead of Serbia’s snap parliamentary election, who stepped aside to back the student-led Student List in its challenge to Aleksandar Vučić’s 12 years of electoral authoritarian rule and its push for European integration.
Rather than risk splitting the opposition vote, the party gave its support on the condition that it did not conflict with PSG’s core principles.
For two years, student-led protests have challenged corruption, threats to the rule of law and repression. The movement began after 16 people died in the collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad in 2024. Despite reports of threats and blackmail to students, the protests grew into a major challenge to Vučić’s government.
This momentum saw voter turnout reach a two-decade high of 65% - with a clear motivation to remove Vučić from power.
The high turnout saw Vučić concede defeat after the Student List won a decisive victory with 52.65% of the vote, enough for a parliamentary majority. PSG welcomed the outcome, declaring “Serbia is free!” after the elections.
The liberal family is familiar with this strategy. In April, ALDE Party member Momentum Mozgalom also chose not to run in Hungary’s parliamentary elections, aiming to avoid splitting opposition votes and help bring an end to Viktor Orbán’s 16 years in power.
The decision to step aside risked giving up the chance to win seats and having to trust others. But commitment to democratic renewal came above party politics, as PSG sought to restore stability in Serbia and remove a far-right figure from office.
PSG Vice-President Aris Movsesian said:
"We have been given a new chance. It is up to us whether we will take advantage of it and whether we will finally embark on the path of European integration, establish the rule of law, return the judiciary to its framework so that it can once again dispense justice and launch a serious fight against corruption.
I want a modern and democratic Serbia in the 21st century. Students have managed to raise emotions and move people, despite propaganda and pressure. It is now up to us to turn that energy into real change."
The election took place amidst concerns over pressure on journalists and independent media. Those concerns will not disappear with the result. If the Student List is to turn its victory into lasting change, rebuilding trust in institutions and creating space for independent scrutiny will be part of the task ahead.
The next point-of-action is to form a government within 90 days. An extraordinary presidential election is also expected, adding another test to Serbia’s political transition.
Serbia has a parliamentary majority to build on, but questions remain over its leadership and approach to EU membership – with the Student List manifesto failing to mention bloc membership.
For Serbia and Europe, the result opens a door. PSG’s choice shows that sometimes defending political freedom means taking a step back so that a country can move forward. Now, Serbia must move towards a European future.