Students across Serbia are uniting in protest against their government, demanding accountability following the tragic collapse of a canopy at the Novi Sad railway station on November 1, which claimed the lives of 15 people. This accident has ignited widespread anger and activism among the student body, who are asserting their right to safe infrastructure and transparency from those in power.
The demonstrators have planned significant events, including one particularly notable protest on December 31, set to take place in Belgrade. According to the official announcement issued by the Faculty of Architecture, Mathematics, Chemistry and Agriculture, the protest aims to remind the public and government alike of the pressing need for justice. "There is no New - you still owe us the old," the organizers declared, stating their intentions to highlight the lack of cause for celebration amid continued grief and frustration over government negligence.
The planned event on New Year's Eve will commence at Pionirski Park at 22:30, where students, supporters, and citizens alike are encouraged to gather. From there, the protest will march to Student Square, with participants making noise and keeping their lights on to symbolize their protest against the state of affairs. A poignant moment of silence will mark the evening as the protesters pay homage to the victims of the tragic accident.
Protests erupted immediately following the November tragedy, where it was revealed the collapse occurred under suspicious circumstances, sparking fears of systemic negligence. Thousands have rallied across the country—places like Belgrade, Nis, Krusevac, Sabac, and beyond. Demonstrators have organized symbolic acts, such as halting traffic for 15 minutes under the slogan “Stop Serbia,” to honor lives lost and call for accountability.
Adding urgency to the protests, two government ministers, Construction Minister Goran Vesic and Serbian Foreign Trade Minister Tomislav Momirovic, resigned amid rising outrage. Within the broader student movement, calls have emerged for complete transparency about the construction and renovation processes at the Novi Sad station, with protesters insisting released documents have been inadequate and misleading.
The incident has drawn the ire of the public, shining light on broader issues of corruption and negligence within the governing bodies. Protesters have articulated clear demands: they seek the publication of all relevant documents concerning the station's reconstruction, the release of detained demonstrators, accountability for those responsible for the accident, and increased funding for education. These demands resonate with many students and activists across various levels of society, illustrating the system's failings.
The demonstrations have not only remained confined to student bodies; they have gained traction with support from academics, opposition lawmakers, and creatives. Together, they envision potential reform and fresh political currents within Serbia. Significant events have seen the most massive turnouts since the protests of 2000, surpassing even the numbers from the notable protests against Rio Tinto's mining activities.
One of the defining features of these protests has been their symbolic nature. Slogans like "The State is the Property of the Youth" have emerged, confronting government narratives on youth exploitation. Protest banners slashed through the air, carrying messages of solidarity and anger: "Corruption Kills," "Who If Not Us?" and "Let the Struggle Go On." A bloody handprint emblazoned with the phrase "You Have Blood on Your Hands" effectively captures the outrage felt toward government negligence.
On December 22, demonstrators took to the streets once again, with reports indicating as many as 100,000 rallying together furiously against the status quo. This crowd becomes symbolic of the broader dissatisfaction and desire for change throughout Serbia, where students' calls for justice have resounded throughout the region. With moments of silence honoring the lost lives, activists utilized social media to express gratitude to supporters, reiteratively encouraging the continuation of their movement: "Thank you for watching our backs, we’ve got yours too! Together, we have shown our courage, civility, and solidarity,” they remarked.
Despite arguments from Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić urging students to return to their studies, the determination of student protesters and their allies reinforces the pursuit of greater accountability and reform. The cold reality is clear; the community's collective voice continues to gain momentum. It is evident the burgeoning student movement is central to the demand for substantial change within Serbia's political framework.
