Serbia’s student-led demonstrations have intensified, with tens of thousands of protesters blocking bridges in Novi Sad and demanding accountability for a 15-year-old’s death in a government-contracted rail accident. The tragedy has been blamed on government ineptitude and graft.
Students, who were largely discredited by opposition parties last year, are now taking the lead in protests fueled by disgust over corruption and authoritarian rule under President Aleksandar Vučić. The youth-led movement has spread to more than 100 provincial towns and villages nationwide.
Critics say the government’s response to the crisis has been inadequate, with no public tenders for the contract related to the accident and a lack of transparency. Human rights lawyer Čedomir Stojković filed a criminal complaint that led prosecutors to launch an inquiry, which was later derailed by the government.
Vučić, who is facing similar protests following allegations of rigged elections, has responded by accusing protesters of being backed by foreign powers. However, the ruling party’s efforts to defuse the situation have been met with skepticism.
The protests have highlighted the deep-seated dissatisfaction among young Serbs, many of whom are struggling with high unemployment and limited job prospects. The students’ decision not to seek leadership has ensured that decisions are taken collectively, adding to their momentum.
As the demonstrations continue to swell, opposition leaders see an opportunity to capitalize on the growing discontent. Srđan Milivojević, leader of the Democratic party, said it was clear that Serbia’s young demonstrators were now dictating events and would not back down until Vučić falls.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/01/student-led-protests-in-serbia-mark-railway-station-deaths-blamed-on-graft