Serbia's Student List Names Key Figures for Government Transition

Dejan Soskic, a former governor of the National Bank of Serbia, has pledged to remove underperforming staff from government roles and audit the property holdings of public officials. The 59-year-old economist, who served from 2010 to 2012, is one of the few high-ranking figures on the new government list with extensive state experience. He stated that corruption in Serbia is more prevalent than in neighboring countries and committed to accelerating reforms required for European Union membership, with the final accession decision to be determined by a national referendum.

Soskic, who has consistently criticized the current administration, also called for a revised Western approach to Russia, specifically challenging existing sanctions. His platform emphasizes strict accountability for those holding public office, a stance that aligns with the movement's core mandate to overhaul state management. The Students' List aims to implement these changes immediately following the transfer of power.

Ilija Srdanovic, a 56-year-old cardiologist and professor at the University of Novi Sad, was designated the lead candidate for the group in September. He has not excluded the possibility of assuming the role of prime minister, noting that the list maintains multiple candidates for every cabinet position. Srdanovic identified organized crime and corruption as the primary targets of the new administration and reaffirmed support for Serbia's territorial claims regarding Kosovo. He emphasized that the citizens, rather than political elites, will decide the country's future relationship with the European Union.

The list includes Dejan Bodiroga, a 53-year-old former professional basketball player and current president of Euroleague Basketball. Serbian media outlets have described him as the most recognizable name on the ticket. While his specific policy positions remain less defined than those of his colleagues, Bodiroga has been vocal in his criticism of the government's handling of student demonstrations. He rejected the portrayal of protesters as terrorists and urged the public to pursue freedom and mutual respect in their societal structure.

Estela Radonjic Zivkov, a cultural heritage expert, joined the movement after a dispute over a planned Trump-branded hotel in Belgrade. As the former deputy director of the Republic Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments, Zivkov accused the government of breaking heritage laws to approve the construction on the site of the NATO-damaged General Staff building. She was removed from her post following her objections. In a potential government, she intends to restore professional independence to cultural institutions, ensuring that experts make decisions based on legal standards without political or economic interference.

Zoran Djajic, a 71-year-old engineer, became a prominent critic after documenting poor construction practices at the Novi Sad railway station. He reported on the issues before the station's canopy collapsed, an incident that resulted in fatalities. Djajic was arrested in April 2025 for calling for the death penalty for former President Aleksandar Vucic. Following the recent electoral success, he predicted that Vucic would face charges of high treason and declared that a period of truth and justice has arrived.

The group also includes Tihomir Stanic, a 65-year-old actor with credits in more than 130 film and television productions. Stanic resigned from Belgrade's Academy of Arts in October 2025 alongside other faculty members who cited violations of academic integrity and threats to students. He has argued that the current government exerted control over theater management, casting, and staffing. Stanic advocates for removing political influence from Serbia's cultural institutions entirely.

The assembly of these diverse professionals marks a shift toward a technocratic approach in Serbian politics. The list combines figures from academia, sports, arts, and engineering to address specific sectors of the state. Each member has outlined distinct priorities, ranging from economic reform to cultural preservation, while unifying under a common goal of investigating past abuses of power.