Serbia's Student List Names Key Figures

The Students' List has formally outlined the roles of its most prominent members as it prepares to take power in Serbia. The coalition, which secured an electoral victory, has named specific individuals to address long-standing issues such as corruption, infrastructure failures, and cultural governance. These appointments mix technical expertise with public advocacy, aiming to signal a break from the previous administration led by Aleksandar Vucic.

Dejan Soskic, a 59-year-old economist who previously served as governor of the National Bank of Serbia from 2010 to 2012, is positioned to handle economic reform. Soskic has pledged to remove underperforming staff from government roles and initiate investigations into the property holdings of public officials. He stated that the list will push for European Union integration reforms, with the final accession decision to be determined by a national referendum.

Ilija Srdanovic, a 56-year-old cardiologist and professor at the University of Novi Sad, was named the lead candidate for the group in September. Srdanovic has not excluded the possibility of serving as prime minister, noting that the list has multiple candidates for every office. He has indicated that his administration will focus on combating organized crime and corruption, while supporting Serbia's claims regarding Kosovo. Srdanovic emphasized that the decision on EU membership will rest with the citizens.

Dejan Bodiroga, a 53-year-old former basketball player and current president of Euroleague Basketball, brings a high-profile public presence to the coalition. Serbian media have identified him as the most famous name on the list. Bodiroga has criticized the government for labeling student protesters as terrorists. During rallies, he urged supporters to fight for dignity and mutual respect, aiming to reduce division in society.

Estela Radonjic Zivkov, a cultural heritage expert, is tasked with reforming protection institutions. Zivkov previously served as deputy director of the Republic Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments. She was removed from that post after accusing the government of violating heritage laws to approve a Trump-branded hotel project in Belgrade. She stated that her goal is to restore professional integrity and ensure experts make decisions based on law rather than political or economic pressure.

Zoran Djajic, a 71-year-old engineer, has focused on infrastructure accountability. Djajic publicly blamed corruption for the fatal collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy, a structure where he worked as a stonework consultant until 2023. He was arrested in April 2025 after calling for the death penalty for then-president Vucic. Following the electoral win, Djajic vowed that Vucic would face charges of high treason, declaring that the time for truth and justice is approaching.

Tihomir Stanic, a 65-year-old actor, has been assigned to address issues within cultural institutions. Stanic resigned from Belgrade’s Academy of Arts in October 2025 alongside other faculty members who cited gross violations of academic practice. He has called for the removal of political influence from Serbian theaters and cultural bodies, claiming the previous government determined staffing and management decisions based on loyalty rather than merit.

The next phase for the Students' List involves formalizing these appointments into a working government. The coalition plans to begin its tenure by implementing the specific pledges made by these six figures, focusing on legal reforms and institutional independence in the coming months.