Students in Serbia are mobilizing for a significant uprising against President Vucic’s regime, facing violence and adversity. In Kragujevac, thousands gather weekly for protests, with citizens enthusiastically supporting their cause. Sparked by a tragic incident resulting in 15 deaths, public outrage has surged, leading to strikes across universities. Protesters demand accountability and reforms, while Vucic attempts to counter the movement with his own rally, facing accusations of coercion among attendees.
For several months, students in Serbia have been preparing for a significant uprising. They have faced violence from attackers and dangerous encounters with vehicles. However, the momentum of protests is growing and extending throughout the nation, placing increasing pressure on President Vucic’s autocratic regime.
The university town of Kragujevac is alive with sounds of protest every Friday. Car horns blare, pedestrians whistle, and vuvuzelas blast as residents eagerly anticipate the major demonstration scheduled for Saturday, where students are expected to converge.
Groups of enthusiastic hikers, marathon runners, and cyclists are making their way to Kragujevac, many undertaking journeys that span up to four days. They are coming from various cities, including Belgrade, Novi Sad, Nis, and Novi Pazar. Coverage on the independent TV station N1 showed heartwarming scenes of villagers and small-town residents welcoming them with cheers.
In the wake of a tragic roof collapse that took the lives of 15 individuals, countless citizens have taken to the streets to voice their dissent against the government.
Festive Atmosphere Welcomes Protesters
Upon arriving in Kragujevac, around 10,000 spirited individuals gather at Freedom Square, located in front of the town hall. They jump, sing, clap, wave flags, and light bengal fireworks in a display of solidarity.
Djordje, a 24-year-old student of Japanese studies from Belgrade, expresses his astonishment. Exhausted, he rests his bike on the grass, saying, ‘The reception here is simply unreal.’ He notes that in every village, families lined the streets, offering drinks and snacks, with some even roasting piglets in a gesture of support. ‘It’s a true sign of the country rising up. Many have never seen such protests or our group before,’ he adds.
Tens of thousands joined the grand demonstration held in Kragujevac, showcasing the unity of the movement.
Growing Outrage Towards President Vucic
The turnout in Kragujevac mirrors previous demonstrations in Novi Sad and Belgrade, drawing people from all walks of life. Farmers have blocked intersections with their tractors, and protest signs boldly call out President Aleksandar Vucic with messages like, ‘The emperor is naked’ and ‘The rogue is wobbling.’
These are tumultuous times for President Vucic, as protests continue to escalate in frequency. The collapse of a roof at the newly renovated train station in Novi Sad, which resulted in 15 deaths, has reignited public anger. Concerns about corruption and construction malpractice loom large amidst the investigations.
The situation intensified when students were attacked during a moment of silence for the victims, with reports revealing that some assailants were affiliated with the ruling party, SNS. This incident spurred more students to join the strike movement, and recent protests have seen demonstrators injured by vehicles. Since mid-December, 65 of the 80 faculties across the country have gone on strike.
Demanding Accountability and Change
In the capital, Belgrade, students Teodora and Ana, both 22 years old, lead discussions in their occupied philological faculty. They prefer to keep their last names private for safety reasons. Protest posters adorn the university, and rather than lectures, students gather for planning sessions regarding upcoming protests.
The outrage extends beyond the train station incident. For students, this tragedy symbolizes a flawed democratic system in Serbia, and they vow to strike until meaningful reforms are enacted. ‘We want Serbian institutions to fulfill their roles,’ Ana asserts.
Teodora emphasizes the need for media that operates independently rather than simply catering to Vucic’s agenda. She also calls for political education in schools and demands clarity regarding the circumstances of the Novi Sad incident. ‘The resignations of government officials are inadequate; they claimed no responsibility while celebrating their renovation efforts,’ she states.
Many Serbs view the resigned ministers as mere pawns in a corrupt system that has been dominated by President Vucic for over a decade. According to the human rights organization Freedom House, Serbia only operates at 57 percent of a democratic state.
Vucic’s Counter-Demonstration
Despite the growing protests, Vucic remains defiant and organized a counter-demonstration in Sremska Mitrovica, gathering tens of thousands of supporters. However, his gathering pales in comparison to the student-led protests.
Reports from critical journalists indicate that many attendees at Vucic’s rally are civil servants, some allegedly coerced or compensated for their attendance. Additionally, busloads of individuals from Bosnia-Herzegovina were also present.
Standing on a large stage, Vucic addresses the crowd, urging them to ‘protect Serbia from these slaves attempting a color revolution!’ He attempts to rally support by insinuating threats to Vojvodina, proclaiming, ‘Vojvodina is Serbia!’—a province where the collapsed train station is located.
For Teodora and Ana, Vucic’s comments are a transparent distraction from pressing issues. ‘No one wants to split Vojvodina; they fabricate fears because they lack substantive arguments against our peaceful protests,’ Teodora remarks.