Student-led movement demands government accountability following the deadly collapse of a train station roof in Novi Sad last year.
Thousands of protesters filled the streets of Kragujevac, Serbia’s central city, on Saturday to mark Statehood Day with a powerful student-led demonstration calling for an end to government corruption and greater accountability. The rally is the latest in a series of protests sparked by the tragic collapse of a train station roof in Novi Sad last November, which killed 15 people.
The protest, organized primarily by university students, began early in the day, with crowds gathering in the city center to demand urgent reforms from the Serbian government. The students’ logo—a flag featuring bloody handprints—was prominently displayed as protesters waved it alongside other Serbian flags, filling the main boulevard and blocking traffic for hours. This demonstration, which was planned to last until midnight, marks the third such daylong protest following similar actions in Belgrade and Novi Sad earlier this year.
The rally coincided with Serbia’s Statehood Day holiday, commemorating the enactment of the Serbian Constitution in 1835, which at the time was one of the most progressive in Europe. The students, many of whom had traveled from across the country—including Novi Sad, Belgrade, and Nis—demanded more transparency in government and public sector dealings, especially in light of the corruption that they argue contributed to the deadly train station roof collapse.
The Tragic Event That Sparked National Outrage
The November 2024 roof collapse at the renovated train station in Novi Sad became a flashpoint for mounting frustrations over the state of governance in Serbia. The incident claimed 15 lives and left many others injured, sparking a wave of anger over perceived corruption and mismanagement. Investigations revealed that the roof collapse followed extensive, but reportedly substandard, renovations to the station. The tragedy became a symbol of the broader issues of corruption that many Serbians feel permeate various levels of government, particularly in infrastructure projects and public safety.
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During Saturday’s protest, participants observed a solemn moment of silence at 10:52 GMT—the exact time the tragedy occurred—honoring the victims and showing solidarity for their families. The demonstration highlighted the anger many feel about the lack of accountability in the aftermath of the disaster.
The Growing Influence of Student Activism
The student-led movement has gained momentum over the past several months, with increasing participation from youth across Serbia. The protests have already forced significant political changes, including the resignation of several high-ranking government officials. In late January, Prime Minister Milos Vucevic resigned under pressure from the ongoing protests, a notable victory for the student activists.
However, despite some governmental concessions, including attempts to address the protesters’ demands, students in Kragujevac remain firm in their calls for more transparency in public administration and stricter oversight of government contracts. They argue that the government’s initial responses have been insufficient to address the deeper issues of systemic corruption.
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Hundreds of students from other cities, including Novi Sad and Belgrade, joined the Kragujevac rally after completing a four-day march across Serbia to converge on the city’s center on Friday night. This show of unity underscored the growing power of the student movement and their collective resolve to continue pressuring the government for reforms.
President Vucic’s Response
In a rally held on the same day in the northern town of Sremska Mitrovica, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic addressed the ongoing protests, accusing external forces of orchestrating the unrest. He suggested that the protests were being manipulated by those “inside and outside” the country, claiming that the protestors were being influenced to challenge the government and undermine national unity. Vucic also took a direct shot at student leaders, accusing them of being “manipulated” and urged them to enter into dialogue with his government.
“You have achieved all of your demands, declare victory and return to your benches,” Vucic told his supporters, signaling that he believed the protesters’ actions had already succeeded in forcing changes within the government.
Despite these statements, student leaders in Kragujevac remained resolute in their demand for real change. They have pledged to continue protesting until the government demonstrates greater commitment to transparency, accountability, and addressing systemic corruption.
An Uncertain Future for the Protest Movement
As the protest in Kragujevac continued, there were no signs of the movement slowing down. While some of the students’ demands have been met, including the resignation of key officials, the protests remain focused on the broader issue of government corruption. For many, the fate of the movement may depend on whether the government follows through on promised reforms and whether student leaders can maintain momentum in the face of political resistance.
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The protests in Kragujevac, and across Serbia, signal a broader disillusionment with the political establishment and a desire for change. It remains to be seen whether the student-led protests will continue to grow in strength, or if the government’s attempts to defuse the situation will be enough to quell the unrest. However, one thing is clear: the tragic events in Novi Sad have reignited a fierce debate over corruption in Serbia, and the student movement is determined to continue fighting for a more transparent and accountable government.
