Students and citizens gathered once more on the Freedom Bridge in Novi Sad this Sunday, extending their blockade for another three hours, as part of their persistent protest against government corruption following the tragic incident at the central train station. Originally set for 24 hours, the blockade initially started on February 1 and was met with overwhelming support from the public who unanimously voted to continue the action.
During the first civic plenum of the day, one student representative affirmed the democratic nature of their decision-making process and led citizens to raise their hands to show support for the extension. The response was unanimous, as no votes were counted against continuing the protest.
With thousands of attendees echoing chants of "Students, students," the atmosphere was energetic. Protests have drawn tens of thousands of citizens, emphasizing the widespread community backing for the students’ demands.
Among the planned activities was cleaning up the area around the blockade and Limanski Park, aiming to demonstrate community responsibility and care for the environment. "There will be no stopping until the students' demands are adopted," declared one of the security personnel who spoke to the crowd, conveying their determination.
The protests emerged after the November 1 collapse of a concrete shelter at the Novi Sad railway station, which resulted in the death of 15 people. Many students and citizens believe this tragic incident is emblematic of larger systemic corruption linked to government projects, particularly with state-owned enterprises from China overseeing significant infrastructure work.
Encouragingly, support for the protesters came not only from students but also farmers who joined the protest, providing safety and solidarity against potential confrontations with supporters of President Aleksandar Vučić, who had previously described the protests as "a very important lesson."
While public sentiment remains firmly behind the blockade, the government has maintained their position, asserting all student demands have been met, including commitments to increased university budgets and the assurance of transparency related to the station's reconstruction. Yet, the students remain resolute. Their demands include the full documentation of the reconstruction work and the identification of those responsible for the incident.
Throughout the blockade, students have taken steps to care for one another. Innovative support came from unexpected sources; at one point, someone dressed as Spider-Man joined to offer free massages to tired protesters, providing some relief from the physical toll of the cold and long hours spent on the blockade.
Overnight, many students and citizens braved the cold, staying close to the Freedom Bridge and even camping out near Limanski Park. The community spirit was palpable, as citizens cooked food and provided hot drinks for demonstrators, reinforcing solidarity among all participants.
Another notable highlight had been the organization of taxis to transport students back home after the protests ended, particularly those who traveled long distances on foot. Local taxi drivers stated, "We are parents; each of us has a student. Our little is everything for them, and it’s our duty to help," showcasing the overwhelming community support for the protester’s cause.
Interestingly, the protests have become not just about immediate demands but have sparked wider discussions about accountability and long-term governance issues. The impact of students, especially as they sharpen their demands, led to significant political repercussions, including the resignation of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević earlier this month. This resignation was seen as a direct result of continuous public pressure stemming from the protests.
Looking forward, as protesters continue their demonstrations, the calls for cooperation from the government appear to be growing more urgent. There’s increasing pressure for dialogue, as noted by the student moderator during the plenum, who highlighted the need for constructive discussions with university representatives to tackle the issues surrounding corruption across Serbia.
The Freedom Bridge blockade has become emblematic of the fight against corruption, uniting citizens from all walks of life under the banners of transparency, justice, and accountability. The students' perseverance and community support reflect the urgent desire for change within Serbian society.
With the blockade continuing until their demands are met, the protests serve to remind everyone involved of the power of grassroots movements: the unwavering spirit found when communities unite for common goals. It will be interesting to see how these events affect future governance and community engagement within Serbia.