The CRTA survey highlights a deeply polarized society, with public opinion sharply divided on leadership, protests, and Serbia’s future direction. A new survey in Serbia suggests a dramatic shift in the political landscape, with the newly formed Student List outpacing the political bloc led by President Aleksandar Vučić.
Conducted by the Center for Research, Transparency, and Accountability (CRTA) from 13 to 27 September the telephone survey polled a nationally representative sample of 2,020 citizens. The results reveal that 44% of respondents support the Student List, while 32% back Vučić’s bloc, indicating a significant challenge to the long-dominant ruling coalition. CRTA is an independent, non-partisan civil society organisation committed to developing democratic culture and civic activism and a EUalive content partner.
The “Student List” (Serbian: Studentska Lista) refers to a proposed independent electoral slate or candidate list in Serbia, initiated by university students as part of the ongoing anti-corruption protests that began in late 2024. It emerged as a grassroots effort to challenge the regime of Vučić and his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), positioning itself as a non-partisan alternative free from established political affiliations.
The CRTA survey highlights a deeply polarized society, with public opinion sharply divided on leadership, protests, and Serbia’s future direction. Nearly two-thirds of respondents view early elections as a solution to the ongoing political and economic crisis, a sentiment shared by one-third of Vučić’s supporters. This growing demand for change reflects widespread frustration, particularly among those who believe Serbia is heading in the wrong direction – a view held by 52% of respondents. In contrast, 33% believe the country is on the right path, again illustrating the stark divide in public perception.
The survey also sheds light on attitudes toward Vučić’s leadership. While 43% of respondents say it does not matter who replaces him, 39% believe Serbia would be worse off without him. This near-even split underscores a referendum-like atmosphere, where political preferences are increasingly binary – either for Vučić or for change, embodied by the Student List. The rise of the Student List, a movement rooted in youth activism and calls for reform, signals a growing appetite for new leadership amid dissatisfaction with the status quo.
Public support for anti-government protests further highlights this polarization. On 1 November 2024 the collapse of the poorly repaired roof at Novi Sad’s train station claimed 16 lives, sparking widespread student protests. Critics attribute the tragedy to shoddy construction and systemic corruption within the administration.
The survey shows that 58% of citizens support the protests, which began gaining momentum in December 2024, while 39% oppose them. The share of respondents with neutral or undecided views on the protests has declined, suggesting that public opinion is becoming more entrenched. Those who support the protests, often younger and more urban, express anger and concern about Serbia’s trajectory, citing systemic issues as their primary grievances.
The survey identifies systemic corruption as the top concern for 26% of respondents, followed by student-led protests and blockades, cited by 20%. This division in priorities reflects deeper societal fault lines. Supporters of Vučić, who are more likely to view the protests as disruptive, tend to be older, less educated, and reliant on government-friendly media. In contrast, those who see corruption as the primary issue align more closely with the Student List and the protest movement, advocating for systemic reform and greater transparency.
The CRTA findings also point to economic challenges and governance as key sources of public discontent. Many citizens express frustration over rising costs, unemployment, and perceived mismanagement, which have fueled the protests and bolstered support for the Student List. The movement’s ability to capture 44% of voter support in such a short time suggests it has tapped into widespread disillusionment, particularly among younger generations seeking an alternative to Vučić’s long-standing rule.
Vučić recently announced that presidential and parliamentary elections are likely to be held together in December 2026. He emphasized that he will not seek another presidential term, citing constitutional limits. Vučić’s bloc retains significant support, particularly in rural areas and among older voters.
The survey’s findings can be compared with sentiments observed at the start of the student protests in December 2024. Already then, over half of citizens expressed pessimism about Serbia’s direction, with protest supporters citing anger and concern as dominant emotions. The persistence of these sentiments suggests that the demand for change has not waned, setting the stage for a contentious electoral battle.