Kragujevac, Serbia — University students participating in a protest were warmly welcomed as they arrived in this central Serbian town on Friday, building up to a significant rally scheduled for the weekend. This event is part of a sustained demonstration aimed at addressing corruption in the region that has been ongoing for several months.
On Friday evening, the streets of Kragujevac were filled with enthusiastic crowds awaiting the arriving students. Many attendees brought their children and pets, creating a lively atmosphere filled with waving flags, colorful balloons, flares, and whistles. “This is a unique feeling. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” expressed Lena Stanisic, a student hailing from Serbia’s capital, Belgrade. “Nothing else can compare to this moment.”
To honor their dedication, a small red carpet was laid out for the students, who were showered with flowers and medals for their commitment. Hundreds of students undertook journeys to Kragujevac from various locations throughout the week, using methods ranging from running to cycling. Kragujevac, with a population of around 170,000, is situated about 100 kilometers (60 miles) south of Belgrade, and the cyclists were the first to reach the town, prompting joyful celebrations from the assembled crowd.
The student-led movements have been pivotal in the extensive anti-corruption protests in Serbia, sparked by a tragic incident in Novi Sad last November, where a concrete canopy at a train station collapsed, resulting in 15 fatalities. The public largely attributes this disaster to governmental corruption tied to the station’s renovation. Protests have erupted almost daily since November 1, challenging the authority of populist President Aleksandar Vucic.
Earlier in the day, residents of the nearby village of Luznice set up stalls filled with homemade culinary treats, including roast pork, to welcome the students as they marched toward Kragujevac. “We are here to support all young people, our friends,” stated Ivan Karic. “We want change. That’s all. We do not want more lies.” The unwavering spirit, youthfulness, and creativity of the students have resonated with many ordinary citizens, who are increasingly disillusioned with their politicians and skeptical about achieving meaningful reforms in the country.
“The majority of people in Serbia stand behind the students’ demands,” remarked Stevan Lazic, a Luzice resident who came to cheer for the marchers. Among the key demands put forth by the students are a thorough investigation into the canopy collapse and accountability for those who have attacked protesters in recent weeks.
The rally in Kragujevac is anticipated to attract tens of thousands of participants on Saturday, coinciding with the national Statehood Day. The students deliberately selected this date and location, as Kragujevac was the site of Serbia’s 1835 constitutional declaration while still under Ottoman rule, which aimed to limit the powers of its rulers.
In response, President Vucic has planned a concurrent rally in Sremska Mitrovica, a small town located northwest of Belgrade, where he intends to issue a declaration addressing an alleged separatist movement that threatens Serbia’s unity. Over the past three months, Vucic’s rhetoric has evolved from insinuating that students are being manipulated by foreign entities to making concessions and claiming to have met their demands.
The president has expressed a desire for Serbia to join the European Union, yet he faces scrutiny over widespread governmental corruption and restrictions on democratic freedoms during his tenure.
