A wave of protests swept through Serbia as students demanded an end to government corruption and oligarchy. The movement began after 15 people died in a train station collapse on November 1st, with the prime minister resigning under pressure.
The initial response from authorities was to downplay the incident and shift blame to “progress”. However, students refused to be silenced, holding peaceful vigils and demanding justice for the victims. They also called for an end to impunity and corruption, as well as increased funding for higher education.
As protests grew, so did the diversity of participants. Agricultural workers, teachers, and cultural workers joined the movement, with thousands gathering in Belgrade’s Slavija Square on December 22nd. The protesters’ message was clear: they would not be silenced or intimidated.
What’s striking about this movement is its decentralized nature, without a single leader or representative. Students use social media to coordinate their actions and have created direct democratic practices within their universities. This approach has allowed them to push back against the regime’s control over media and silence independent voices.
For the first time in decades, Serbia sees young people taking up the mantle of resistance. The students’ nonviolent response to violence has shaken the foundations of a government that had long exploited fear and apathy. With their determination and courage, they are restoring democratic hope in a country that desperately needs it – and at a time when democracy is crumbling worldwide.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/feb/06/serbias-students-showing-world-democratic-hope