The movement, created by protests following the death of 16 people from the collapse of a shelter at the Novi Sad railway station, has already won the election. However, power change in Serbia still has to happen.
The list supported by students is not made up of students only. It includes professors, doctors, and other candidates, writes Ix.hr.
It is led by Novi Sad cardiologist Ilija Srdanovic. But what awaits winners, and how do they imagine new Serbia?
Student Plan
The base of their program is called the Student’s Plan. It contains 11 points, divided into three sections: Serbia or the mafia, know is power and Serbia grows with us.
The first part focuses on institutions and corruption, while other parts address the education, economy and daily problems of citizens.
The Law on Origin of Wealth and Almatation
The Students’ list has warned of the establishment of a special police structure under the prosecutor, which would investigate corruption and arrest those responsible without political pressure.
It has also promised verification of police work, courts and prosecutors, as well as adoption of a law on property background and the seizure of illegally acquired property.
The program also mentions the lustration of public officials. That would include controlling officials’ property and examining their actions. According to the programme, those who have misused office, were involved in corruption, or violated human rights, the Constitution, and the laws.
Students seek the publication of contracts and tenders, as well as auditing state projects, especially those that have been developed in a nontransparent way or have cost more than they should.
As far as media are concerned, they warn depoliticisation of public regulator and broadcaster RTS. The plan also includes reviewing the responsibility of journalists and television editorials as well as the removal and resumption of national frequencies.
However, the program does not explain who would carry out these verifications and on which criteria the frequencies would be removed.
Employment, Schools, Homes, and Doctors
In the public sector, students aim to end employment on party grounds and for directors to be resolved through public competitions.
In education, they promise free textbooks for all primary and high school students, modernisation of teaching and easier access to extraschool activities.
In the area of the economy, local entrepreneurs, farmers and new technology companies warn support.
They aim for the maximum length of work contracts with the deadline to be limited to 12 months, after which workers would get contracts without an extended deadline.
The program also promises the elimination of the import interest group monopoly as well as the guarantee of food safety. According to them, agricultural land and water should be protected as national riches.
Better conditions for rent and purchase are planned for young couples and professionals with a lack of labor force.
Students also promise to reduce drug prices, renew ambulances in rural areas, and employ new doctors and technicians. However, for these measures, no deadlines or cost assessments have been set.
Enhancing Good Relations With Neighbors
Before the elections, Srdanovic said Aleksandar Vucinqi’s power is contributing to the deterioration of Serbia’s relations with Croatia and other neighbouring countries.
He dismissed claims that Croatia is behind the student movement, stressing that the Croatian state has no connection with the Students’ List.
For relations with neighbours, he warned the expansion of good neighbourly co-operation, stressing that the interests of Serbia’s citizens will be priorities.
So far, they have not presented a special plan for relations with Croatia.
Relations With the EU and Great Powers
The list is aimed at deepening existing strategic partnerships with European Union member states, such as Greece, Italy, Hungary and France, as well as developing similar bilateral co-operation with other European states.
It supports progress in chapters related to justice and fundamental rights, but in the programme it does not expressly mention EU membership as an objective.
Srdanovic has stated earlier that Serbia’s EU membership would be decided through a referendum, following the public debate and closure of negotiating chapters.
The list warns of developing a comprehensive strategic partnership with China and strengthening relations with the United States on the basis of common interests and greater trust.
It supports preserving traditional partnership with Russia and, in principle, opposes imposing sanctions on it. At the same time, it stresses that the territorial integrity of all states, including Ukraine, must be respected.
In the programme, students also support preserving Serbia’s military neutrality as strategic orientation.
Solutions for Kosovo Through Peace and Dialogueut
Srdanovic has declared that the position of the Student List is determined by Serbia’s Constitution, under which Kosovo and Metohia are an integral part of the country.
The student memorandum says that a permanent solution can be sought peacefully and through dialogue, respecting Serbia’s Constitution, UN Security Council Resolution 1244 and international law.
He has also declared that he will not abandon Serbs in Kosovo.
However, Srdanovic has not responded directly to whether his list would implement two agreements reached by Vuciqi with Kosovo — the 2023 agreement on accepting passports, diplomas and license plates, as well as the 2020 agreement on economic co-operation.
The elections brought the students victory, but now they must turn campaign promises into concrete decisions. /Telegraphy/