Serbia's Student Movement Challenges the Government
CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
11/2/2026
Warm-up
Why do people protest against their government?
Do you think young people should have a voice in politics?
What responsibilities should politicians have when something
goes wrong in their country?
Vocabulary
Essential (A1–B1)
- Concede – to admit that you have lost or been defeated.
Example: The candidate finally conceded defeat after the election.
- Opposition – a political group that challenges or disagrees with the government.
Example: The opposition wants to introduce new laws.
- Canopy – a structure that provides a roof or cover over an area.
Example: The station's concrete canopy collapsed during the accident.
- Accountability – responsibility for your actions and having to explain them.
Example: Citizens demanded greater accountability from government officials.
- Dismiss – to reject an idea or say that it is not worth considering.
Example: The politician dismissed the criticism as unfair.
- Campaign – to work in an organised way to achieve a political or social goal.
Example: Students campaigned for changes to the education system.
Developed (B2–C2)
- Incumbent – a person currently holding an official position, especially in politics.
Example: The incumbent government faced growing criticism before the election.
- Political grip – strong control over a country or political system.
Example: The party maintained its political grip on the country for more than a decade.
- Grassroots movement – a campaign organised by ordinary people rather than political leaders.
Example: A grassroots movement gained support among students and local communities.
- Corruption – dishonest or illegal behaviour by people in positions of power.
Example: The investigation exposed widespread corruption in public institutions.
- Turnout – the number or percentage of eligible voters who participate in an election.
Example: Voter turnout increased significantly compared with the previous election.
- Democratic institutions – organisations and systems that support democratic government.
Example: Independent courts are essential for protecting democratic institutions.
- Electoral integrity – the fairness, transparency and reliability of an election.
Example: Independent observers were invited to assess electoral integrity.
- Political mobilisation – the process of encouraging people to become politically active.
Example: Student organisations played a major role in political mobilisation.
Reading
Introduction
"After years of political control, Serbia's government faced a serious challenge from a movement led by university students. The election brought attention to corruption, democracy and the growing influence of young people."
(Read at your level. Do not translate every word.)
Article (All Levels)
A student-led movement has won a major election victory in Serbia, challenging a political party that had been in power for 14 years. Aleksandar Vucic, who had left his position as president to lead his party's campaign, conceded defeat after the election. The student-backed group was expected to win enough seats to give the opposition a majority.
The movement began after a concrete station canopy collapsed in 2024, killing 16 people. Protesters blamed corruption and demanded greater accountability. The students later gained wider support by calling for political change. Despite concerns about the election, including possible vote buying, the result was celebrated by supporters and welcomed by the European Union.
Developed Article (B1–C2)
Serbia's long-standing political leadership has faced a major setback after a student-backed movement secured a significant victory in the parliamentary election. Aleksandar Vucic, who had maintained a strong political grip on the country through his party, conceded defeat after the October 25 vote. The projected results suggested that the Students' List would give the opposition a parliamentary majority.
The movement began following a deadly train station accident in November 2024, when a concrete canopy collapsed and killed 16 people. Protesters blamed alleged corruption during renovation work and demanded greater government accountability. What began as public anger developed into a wider grassroots movement, with students accusing the government of weakening democracy. The movement attracted support from citizens frustrated with established politicians.
Rather than standing as candidates themselves, the students supported professionals, athletes, farmers and artists. They travelled across urban and rural communities to attract voters and promote democratic reform. Although turnout was expected to reach around 70%, observers raised concerns about electoral integrity, including suspected vote buying and pressure on voters. The European Union welcomed the result and offered support for strengthening democratic institutions. The election demonstrated the power of political mobilisation, but the movement now faces the challenge of turning public support into lasting political change.
Comprehension Check
(Answer based on your level.)
A1–A2
Which country held the parliamentary election?
What accident helped start the student movement?
What did the students want to change?
B1–B2
Why did the student movement gain public support?
How did the students try to attract voters outside the cities?
What concerns did election observers raise?
C1–C2
How did a protest about a public disaster develop into a wider political movement?
Why might the movement find it difficult to turn electoral success into lasting change?
What does this election suggest about the influence of younger generations in politics?
Speaking
(Choose a question level.)
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.
A1–A2 — Foundation
(Answer + 1 reason)
Sentence Starters
I think young people should...
In my country,...
One important problem is...
I believe this because...
Personal Questions
Are you interested in politics?
Do you follow the news about elections?
Do young people in your country care about politics?
Have you ever taken part in a protest?
What problems do people complain about in your country?
Do you think politicians should listen to young people?
Is corruption a serious problem?
Would you vote in an election?
What makes a good political leader?
Do you think students should learn about politics at school?
Are people in your country happy with their government?
Why do people sometimes protest?
Should people be allowed to disagree with their government?
Do you think elections are important?
What would you change about your country's government?
B1–B2 — Expansion
(Answer + reason + 2 details)
Sentence Starters
One of the main reasons is...
This is particularly important because...
For instance, in my country...
Another factor worth considering is...
Personal Questions
What political issues should young people pay more attention to?
Why might university students become involved in political movements?
Do you think public protests are an effective way to influence governments?
What responsibilities should politicians have when public disasters occur?
How can citizens demand greater accountability from government officials?
Why do some political parties maintain power for many years?
Do you think independent media is essential for democracy?
What could encourage more people to participate in elections?
Should public figures be held to higher standards of behaviour?
How can corruption affect people's trust in political institutions?
Do you think young people are represented fairly in your country's government?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a student-led grassroots movement?
How important is it for election results to be independently monitored?
Why might people in rural areas have different political priorities from those in cities?
What changes would make your country's political system more effective?
C1–C2 — Depth & Reflection
(Reason + multiple details + consequence or reflection)
Sentence Starters
This raises a fundamental question about...
One explanation for this development could be...
From an institutional perspective,...
The wider implications could include...
Personal Questions
To what extent can grassroots movements challenge deeply established political structures?
Why might younger generations become disillusioned with traditional political parties?
Can political movements maintain their unity once they achieve electoral success?
How should governments balance political stability with demands for institutional reform?
What conditions are necessary for meaningful democratic accountability?
Is electoral success sufficient evidence that a political movement represents the wider population?
How can societies distinguish legitimate political opposition from attempts to undermine democratic institutions?
To what extent should international organisations become involved in another country's democratic development?
Can widespread public dissatisfaction lead to lasting political change without strong leadership?
How does corruption weaken public confidence in democratic systems?
What role should universities play in encouraging political awareness and civic responsibility?
How might government influence over the media affect electoral integrity?
Is political mobilisation more effective when it focuses on specific problems or broader political goals?
What challenges arise when a movement transitions from protesting against a government to governing itself?
What do you think Edmund Burke meant when he suggested that the triumph of evil depends on good people doing nothing?
