Serbian Protests Surge Amid Student Anti-Corruption Movement
Hundreds of Serbian students marching toward Novi Sad as they demand accountability for deadly corruption
INDJIJA, Serbia — A wave of protests has engulfed Serbia, led by determined students demanding justice following the collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy, which tragically left 15 people dead on November 1. What began as a workplace tragedy has burgeoned over the past two months, igniting widespread anti-government sentiment and accusations of systemic corruption.
On Friday, students started their protest march from the capital, Belgrade, toward the northern city of Novi Sad, where they are set to blockade three bridges over the River Danube this weekend. The planned blockade on Saturday commemorates the three-month anniversary of the collapse, which was seen as indicative of poor oversight and corruption within the construction industry, especially relating to contracts with Chinese state firms.
The protest has evolved from simple vigils for the victims to public demonstrations demanding political accountability and governmental integrity. During their march on Friday, students passed through the town of Indjija, where they were met with cheers, fireworks, and solidarity from local residents.
Nevena Vecerinac, one of the student protesters, expressed a shared determination: "We will make it to Novi Sad. Yesterday’s walk was easy. It’s cold now, but we can make it. We all have the same goal." Students like Vecerinac are not only seeking justice for those lost but are also voicing their broader frustrations with what they assert is rampant corruption within the Serbian government.
The protests have gradually escalated, leading to violent provocations — including incidents where drivers rammed vehicles through demonstrations, injuring several participants. These altercations have only intensified the resolve of the protesters. Luka Arsenovic, another student marcher, emphasized the need for unity, stating, "We need support from all people. With this energy and mood I hope we can do it; otherwise, there will be no brighter future."
Initially sparked by grief, the protests have now taken on aggressive overtones, with participants rallying against what they see as authoritarian rule from President Aleksandar Vucic, whose populist regime has been challenged like never before. Amidst the protests, Vucic has oscillated between dismissing the demonstrators as foreign agents intent on destabilizing his leadership and making concessions to quell the unrest.
Despite the environment of hostility, encouragement from the local populace has been palpable. Students were offered food and drinks as they marched, and supporters took to the streets on bicycles, eager to join the collective movement. The protests have garnered participation from various sectors of society, including professionals and civil servants dissatisfied with the current government’s handling of infrastructure projects and the follow-up to the railway station collapse.
Protesters have also organized daily moments of silence to honor the victims, aligning with daily 15-minute traffic blockades starting at 11:52 AM — the time of the tragic collapse. Through such actions, they have consistently placed pressure on authorities to take responsibility and bring to light the factors leading to the catastrophe. Chants of "corruption kills" have echoed through the streets, cementing the protest's focus on holding those responsible accountable.
The aftermath of the Nov. 1 disaster has raised significant questions about oversight and the integrity of construction contracts awarded to foreign firms, particularly those from China. Many citizens believe substandard construction, coupled with government negligence, triggered the tragedy. Weeks of protests already led to the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic as demonstrators called for more sweeping changes.
Vucic's administration has been criticized for its lack of transparency, with officials hesitant to divulge specifics about the state of construction contracts or the investigative processes following the collapse. While thirteen individuals have faced charges, including one former construction minister, many protesters remain skeptical of the thoroughness and impartiality of the investigation, demanding genuine accountability from all governmental bodies involved.
Responding to the growing unrest amid conservative rhetoric, Vucic has warned protesters about the dangers of engaging with foreign influence, underscoring calls for national unity. He stated, "It is clear the country is under attack from both outside and inside,” seeking to play on fears of outside meddling to consolidate support within his base.
Protests have erupted across various cities, from the capital to smaller towns, with demonstrators marking their territory through tactics ranging from symbolic handprints on government buildings to road obstructions. The events have culminated in significant public engagement, with people of all walks of life participating as discontent with the administration reaches fever pitch.
Despite occasional violence, the student-led protests’ message has remained steadfast, signaling widespread demand for political change rather than mere reform. Students aim to dismantle the prevailing culture of corruption, urging their fellow citizens to join them as they march toward Novi Sad on Saturday.
Will these protests succeed where previous movements have not? With mounting support from the populace, the tide of public sentiment seems to be turning, presenting the possibility of genuine change within Serbia's political framework.