BELGRADE, Serbia — A wave of protests erupted across Serbia on Friday as hundreds of students and their supporters temporarily blocked traffic in various locations, amidst rising political tensions following a fatal incident last month. The unrest was triggered by the collapse of a concrete canopy that tragically resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals.
Every Friday at 11:52 a.m., demonstrators have engaged in 15-minute traffic disruptions, marking the precise moment on November 1 when the tragic event occurred, as large pieces of concrete fell on unsuspecting people who were waiting near a railway station in Novi Sad. Initially reported casualties included 14 fatalities and several injuries, but another victim succumbed to their injuries later in the hospital.
Many Serbians are pointing fingers at systemic corruption and shoddy renovation practices that plagued the railway station building, which had been refurbished twice in recent years by Chinese state enterprises under an upgrade initiative. In response to the disaster, authorities have detained 13 individuals, including a government minister; however, skepticism regarding the legitimacy of the investigation has grown—especially after the minister was released.
In a separate but related maneuver, the Serbian government decided to extend the winter break for schools, starting it nearly a week earlier than scheduled. This adjustment appears to be a strategy aimed at diminishing the scale of ongoing student protests against the administration of populist President Aleksandar Vucic. University classes across the country have been on hold for weeks, with students occupying their faculties. Recently, the movement has gained momentum, drawing in more high school students who are eager to voice their dissatisfaction.
The protests are emblematic of a deeper discontent with what many perceive as the increasingly authoritarian governance of Vucic. While Serbia aspires for membership in the European Union, critics accuse Vucic of stifling democratic rights instead of fostering them. The political climate has been tense, with isolated instances of violence as pro-government supporters attempted to disrupt the peaceful demonstrations.
In the latest altercation, opposition leader Dragan Djilas reportedly engaged in a clash with members of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party while they were putting up anti-Djilas posters. Government representatives claimed Djilas was the aggressor in the skirmish, whereas Djilas contended that he and his associate were assaulted and required medical treatment for their injuries.
Support from various sectors of society has bolstered the student-led protests, with backing from professors, actors, attorneys, farmers, and other notable figures across Serbia. Even tennis icon Novak Djokovic has expressed support for the youth, albeit indirectly, standing by them without directly addressing the protests or their objectives.
Looking ahead, students and farmers are gearing up to stage a significant rally in Belgrade this Sunday. President Vucic has previously dismissed the student protests as being financially motivated and has leveled harsh accusations against opposition parties, describing them as “political pedophiles” for allegedly manipulating young people for their agenda.