Serbia after Vucic: The winners are losing patience

Since defeating Vucic's Serbian Progressive Party in the October 25 elections, the Student List has faced resistance from the outgoing government. Vucic has accused the winners of practicing "revolutionary terror," citing the dismissal of the RTS general director and senior editors as evidence. His loyal media outlets, including Informer TV, have recently toned down their rhetoric after years of demonizing Student List members as "terrorists" and "mercenaries."

The Student List, composed of professors, activists and artists that emerged from Serbia's student revolt, has moved quickly to assert its authority. Citizens in many cities have peacefully removed Vucic's portraits from municipal buildings, while the public prosecutor's office for organized crime has launched investigations into electoral fraud. A special commission is examining the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade, which critics claim did Vucic's bidding and persecuted his opponents.

Old accusations resurface

The new government is confronting long-standing accusations against Vucic and his regime, including tight media control, awarding state contracts only to loyal companies, and links to organized crime.

Power transition challenges

Despite their electoral victory, the Student List faces significant challenges as Vucic's party still controls many levers of power. The SNS promises to be a strong opposition and expects a quick political comeback. "The SNS people are acting as if they had lost a local election somewhere in democratic Scandinavia, not as if they were part of a deeply corrupt and criminal regime," said Bursac.

Transparency Serbia warns that outgoing officials may still award contracts and create financial obligations before the new government takes full control. However, the Student List has reportedly maintained contacts with police and administration officials opposed to Vucic's style of government, potentially helping to prevent such actions.

Foreign policy continuity

The Student List unites left- and right-wingers, pro-European and pro-Russian forces, but plans to maintain continuity in foreign policy. The party opposes sanctions on Russia and recognition of Kosovo—positions shared by most Serbians. "Our plan is to stabilize and develop the country, not to destabilize it with some abrupt change of course on foreign policy," said Oliver Toskovic, a future parliament member.

Unlike Vucic, who frequently inflamed tensions with neighbors, the new government promises better relations with Kosovo, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The electoral process continues with a vote repetition on November 1 in about 50 polling stations due to irregularities. Once counted, parliament can be convened, though the new government's members have not yet been disclosed.