Serbia has witnessed a resurgence of student activism in recent months, with protests erupting across the country in response to a tragic incident at the Novi Sad railway station. On November 1, 2024, a concrete canopy collapsed at the station, killing 15 people and injuring several others. This incident sparked outrage and grief, with many attributing the tragedy to government negligence and corruption. Students, disillusioned with the political climate and demanding accountability, have taken to the streets in what have become the largest demonstrations since President Aleksandar Vučić came to power over a decade ago .
Causes and Motivations
While the immediate trigger for the protests was the Novi Sad railway station collapse, the underlying causes are deeply rooted in broader socio-political issues. Students are protesting against what they perceive as endemic corruption within the Serbian political system . They believe that this corruption has led to a decline in public safety, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of accountability . The collapse of the canopy, a symbol of neglect and mismanagement, catalyzed their frustrations .
The students have outlined specific demands to address these concerns, including:
- Justice for the victims of the railway station collapse.
- Accountability for government negligence.
- Publication of all documents related to the reconstruction of the Novi Sad railway station.
- Confirmation from authorities on the identity of all individuals suspected of physically assaulting protesters1.
Beyond the specific incident, students are motivated by a desire for a more democratic and transparent society . They are calling for greater government accountability, an end to authoritarian practices, and respect for freedom of expression and assembly . Their demands reflect a yearning for a future where political power is not a prerequisite for employment and where citizens can live freely without fear of persecution .
Scale and Impact
The student protests have gained significant momentum, with demonstrations taking place in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, and other cities across Serbia 3. In November, a demonstration in Novi Sad drew an estimated 20,000 participants, marking the largest protest in the city in decades . By mid-December, over 50 university campuses, including the major universities of Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Niš, had suspended classes due to student blockades . These blockades have often involved 24-hour occupations of university buildings .
Adding to the scale of the protests, demonstrators have held weekly 15-minute traffic blockades on Fridays at 11:52 AM, the exact time of the canopy collapse . This tactic has effectively disrupted daily life and drawn attention to their cause.
The protests have garnered widespread support from various segments of Serbian society, including educators, actors, and filmmakers 3. A public opinion poll conducted by CRTA in early January 2025 revealed that 57% of citizens believe the country is heading in the wrong direction, with 61% expressing support for the student protests . This suggests that the students’ concerns resonate with a significant portion of the population and that their actions have contributed to a growing sense of dissatisfaction with the current government.
Furthermore, the students have received support from international organizations, such as the European Students’ Union (ESU), which has called for the protection of student protesters and their right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression .
The impact of the protests has extended beyond Serbia’s borders, with members of the Serbian diaspora participating in demonstrations worldwide . Prominent figures, such as tennis star Novak Djokovic, have also publicly expressed their support for the students’ cause . This international attention has further amplified the voices of the protesters and increased pressure on the Serbian government to address their demands .
Decentralized Leadership and Intergenerational Resonance
One notable aspect of the student protests is their decentralized leadership structure . Unlike traditional protest movements with clearly identified leaders, the students operate through working groups and plenums, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and horizontal democracy. This approach has made it more difficult for the government to target specific individuals and has contributed to the resilience of the movement.
The protests have also resonated with older generations who may see them as a continuation of their own struggles for democracy . This intergenerational solidarity has strengthened the movement and broadened its base of support. Parents and grandparents have joined students on the streets, expressing a shared desire for a more democratic and just Serbia.
The Power of Silence
The students have effectively utilized silence as a protest tactic, particularly during their demonstrations outside the state broadcaster, Radio Television Serbia (RTS) 5. They have held 15-minute silent vigils to commemorate the victims of the Novi Sad tragedy and to symbolize their dissatisfaction with the government’s lack of transparency and accountability. This tactic has been particularly powerful in capturing attention and conveying their message in a non-confrontational yet impactful manner.
Government Response
Initial Response
The government’s response to the protests has evolved over time. Initially, the government promised a full investigation into the Novi Sad canopy collapse . However, as the protests gained momentum and broadened their scope, the government’s rhetoric shifted.
Escalation of Rhetoric
President Vučić and other government officials have accused the students of being foreign agents and attempting to overthrow the government . They have claimed that the protests are orchestrated by external forces seeking to destabilize Serbia. This rhetoric has been widely criticized as an attempt to discredit the protesters and deflect attention from the underlying issues of corruption and lack of accountability.
Adding to the tension, a woman rammed her car into a crowd of anti-government protesters in Belgrade, injuring one person . This incident highlighted the escalating risks faced by protesters and raised concerns about the safety of those participating in demonstrations.
In an attempt to counter the protests and maintain his support base, President Vučić held a counter-rally with thousands of his supporters . He used this platform to reiterate his accusations against the protesters and to rally his base against what he perceived as foreign interference.
Under pressure from the protests, the government has released some documentation related to the station’s renovation project 13. However, protesters argue that this is insufficient and demand greater transparency in the investigation . They are also critical of the government’s handling of the protests, including alleged physical attacks on student demonstrators by pro-government figures .
Social Media and Public Discourse
Social media has played a crucial role in the organization and dissemination of information about the protests. Student groups have utilized platforms like Twitter and Facebook to announce demonstrations, share updates, and mobilize support 13. For example, one leading student group used social media to call for a general strike, urging Serbians to engage in “general civil disobedience”.
Social media has also provided a space for public discussion and debate about the protests, with hashtags related to the demonstrations trending on various platforms. Discussions on platforms like Twitter and Facebook have reflected a diversity of opinions, with some users expressing support for the students while others criticize their tactics or question their motives.
The students have also been vocal in their criticism of the state broadcaster RTS for its pro-government bias. They have accused RTS of downplaying the scale of the protests and of amplifying the government’s narrative that the protests are driven by foreign agents. This criticism highlights the role of media in shaping public perception of the protests and the importance of independent media in providing balanced coverage.
As we can see on apparently paid lobbyist post by Richard Grenell ex CIA director.
It is always important to raise your voice and to be heard.
But everyone must condemn violence and stick to peaceful demonstrations. The democratic process must be respected.
We do not support those who undermine the rule of law or who forcefully take over government… https://t.co/phI5QhCSAr
— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) January 25, 2025
Historical Context
The current student protests are not an isolated incident in Serbia’s history. Student activism has a long tradition in the country, dating back to the 1968 student demonstrations in Yugoslavia 15. These demonstrations, sparked by concerns about accommodation shortages, lack of student voice in university structures, and economic reforms, marked the first mass protest in Yugoslavia after World War II. While the protests were ultimately suppressed, they demonstrated the potential of student movements to challenge authority and demand change.
Students also played a significant role in the protests against Slobodan Milošević in the late 1980s and 1990s, demanding democratic reforms and an end to authoritarian rule . These protests, fueled by economic grievances and a desire for political liberalization, contributed to the eventual downfall of Milošević’s regime.
These historical precedents demonstrate the potential of student movements to challenge the status quo and contribute to social and political change. The current protests echo these past struggles, with students once again taking a leading role in demanding a more democratic and just society.
Conclusion
The student protests in Serbia represent a significant development in the country’s political landscape. They reflect a growing sense of disillusionment among young people with the current government and a desire for a more democratic and just society. The protests have highlighted critical issues such as corruption, lack of accountability, and restrictions on freedom of expression.
The students’ demands for transparency, accountability, and democratic reforms resonate with a significant portion of the Serbian population. Their persistence and strategic use of peaceful protest tactics, including traffic blockades, faculty occupations, and silent vigils, have garnered widespread support and put pressure on the government to address their concerns.
The outcome of this struggle will likely have a lasting impact on Serbia’s political future and the role of youth in shaping that future. The protests have the potential to trigger significant political change, leading to greater government accountability and a strengthening of democratic institutions. However, they also face challenges, including the government’s attempts to discredit them and the risk of violence against protesters.
The future trajectory of the protests remains uncertain. Several scenarios are possible, ranging from the government making concessions to appease the protesters to a further escalation of tensions and a crackdown on dissent. The students’ ability to maintain their momentum, broaden their base of support, and withstand government pressure will be crucial in determining the ultimate outcome of this struggle.
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