Serbia's Student-Led Movement Sparks Election Upset as Europe Watches

A student-led protest movement in Serbia, sparked by a deadly railway station roof collapse in Novi Sad, has delivered a remarkable election upset, signaling a potential shift in the country's political landscape. The movement began in April last year when dozens of students embarked on a 13-day bicycle journey from Serbia to Strasbourg, France, aiming to amplify their demands for accountability and justice to European audiences. Back home, near-daily protests in Novi Sad grew into a nationwide push for change, met with police batons, teargas, and accusations of treason from the political establishment. The election result has prompted questions about what comes next, as Europe closely monitors whether this grassroots energy can translate into lasting democratic reform. The outcome underscores the power of youth activism in challenging entrenched systems and could inspire similar movements across the region.