In Novi Sad, Serbia, a significant protest was held on Saturday as students and residents marked three months since a tragic incident in which a concrete canopy collapsed at the local train station, claiming the lives of 15 individuals. The collapse occurred on November 1 and ignited a broader anti-corruption movement, leading to ongoing student-led demonstrations against the current populist government in the Balkan nation.
Many Serbians attribute the disaster to underlying governmental corruption linked to a major infrastructure project that involved Chinese state companies. Critics argue that improper oversight, negligence during the reconstruction of the Novi Sad train station, and violations of safety standards contributed to the fatal incident. This situation has come to exemplify widespread dissatisfaction with the rule of law in Serbia.
During the protest, dubbed “Three Months — Three Bridges,” tens of thousands of participants took to the streets to blockade several bridges. The blockades began with an overflow of people on the bridges and the surrounding roadways, while numerous others gathered on the riverbanks. Many attendees brought their families and pets to the peaceful demonstration, which occurred on a sunny day.
Leading up to the rally, traffic was heavily congested as demonstrators attempted to arrive from Belgrade and other towns across Serbia. Farmers joined the protest with tractors, driving alongside three distinct groups of students as they marched toward the bridge blockades, receiving cheers and support from local residents. Some demonstrators carried Serbian flags, while others held signs that read “Three Months” and “We are defending freedom.”
University students have emerged as prominent figures in these protests, representing a formidable challenge to President Aleksandar Vucic’s administration. In response to the escalating situation, Vucic has accused participants of being influenced by foreign intelligence agencies with the intent of removing him from power. Meanwhile, he has also offered negotiations and made subtle threats regarding the limits of his supporters’ patience.
Vucic stated during the protest, “Today we offer talks and today we offer dialogue. The second someone thinks that they will use violence to seize power, the state will act like a state, just like everywhere else in the world.” Recent protests have pressured the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, as well as led to various concessions from the government amid rising public dissent.
On Friday evening, thousands gathered to welcome Belgrade students who walked a two-day journey to participate in the bridge blockades. Throughout Serbia, protests and traffic disruptions have taken place daily, although some events have turned dangerous, with instances of vehicles colliding with demonstrators. One such mishap occurred in Belgrade on Friday, resulting in injuries to two women.
During their 80-kilometer trek to Novi Sad, Belgrade students were met with enthusiastic support from locals, including honking cars and offers of food and drinks. Moreover, many individuals on bicycles and motorcycles also made their way toward the protest, with Belgrade taxi drivers planning to assist the participants by providing rides home once the demonstrations concluded.
Dunja Grabos, a student from Novi Sad, expressed her admiration for the determination of those who participated in the walk, remarking, “It’s not easy. They limp, they have blisters, their feet hurt.”
