seniorspectrumnewspaper – Anger pushed Marija Petrovic to join student protests in Belgrade last November. Just days earlier, a railway station roof collapsed in Novi Sad, killing 15 people. When students demonstrators demanded justice for the victims, thugs attacked them, escalating public outrage.
Initially, the protests gained little support, with students blaming government corruption for poor construction work on the renovated roof. The government denied all allegations.
Students Protests Grow into a National Movement
Three months later, the demonstrations have transformed into Serbia’s largest protest movement in years. Tens of thousands of teachers, lawyers, and workers have joined students in blocking highways, occupying faculty buildings, and shutting down city squares.
“Any of us could have been under that roof,” said Petrovic, a molecular biology student at the University of Belgrade, as she prepared for another rally.
Political Fallout and Continued Demonstrations
The massive public pressure led to the resignation of Serbia’s Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, along with the ministers of construction and trade. However, the protests continue, with students accusing the government of autocratic rule.
Demonstrators paint their hands red, symbolizing blood on the government’s hands. On Saturday, the movement will reach Kragujevac, expected to be its largest rally yet.
Students Organization and Strategy
The movement’s success comes from strict organization, clear demands, and daily coordination. Protesters operate without a central leadership, rotating their spokesperson daily, making it difficult for the government to suppress the movement.
With momentum growing, Serbia’s students and supporters remain determined to demand justice, accountability, and political change.
Vucic Faces Unprecedented Pressure Amid Student-Led Protests
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic is experiencing his most vulnerable political moment since his party took power in 2012, according to Mario Bikarski, senior Europe analyst at Verisk Maplecroft.
“The perception of widespread corruption remains the main issue for protesters,” Bikarski stated. “They are unlikely to back down until they receive meaningful guarantees for transparency and justice.”
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Vucic Under Pressure as Corruption Allegations Persist
Vucic first became prime minister in 2014 before transitioning to the presidency in 2017, a role traditionally ceremonial but one he strengthened by maintaining control over his SNS party.
On the international stage, he is seen as a strategic player due to Serbia’s ties with both Russia and the West. However, opposition parties and human rights groups accuse him and the SNS party of election fraud, media suppression, political violence, and connections to organized crime.
Vucic and his allies deny the allegations, yet Serbia’s ranking on Transparency International’s global corruption index has steadily declined, now placing 105th out of 180 countries.
Students Demand Accountability and Reform
Protesters are calling for:
- Publication of official documents related to the station roof collapse
- Prosecution of those responsible
- Dropping charges against protesting students
- Increased funding for higher education
Vucic insists he has already met these demands. Prosecutors indicted 13 people in December, including the former infrastructure minister, who denies wrongdoing.
“I hope these blockades will end—they are damaging our economy,” Vucic said this week.
Despite his plea, students refuse to back down, determined to push for real change.
Student-Led Protests Strengthen Through Organization and Community Support
Serbian students have revolutionized their approach, making their movement more efficient and resilient. The University of Belgrade’s old student parliament has been replaced with plenums—daily assemblies where each faculty votes on strategies and next steps.
Structured Coordination Drives the Movement
Students have formed working groups focused on:
- Strategy to plan protests and outreach
- Donations to gather supplies and funding
- Security to ensure safety during demonstrations
Universities across multiple cities coordinate to keep demands aligned and actions unified.
To sustain the movement, students created a website listing essential supplies, including food, drinks, and sleeping bags. Supporters regularly drop off donations, ensuring protesters remain equipped and energized.
Global Support and Financial Backing
Serbian nationals abroad have stepped in to provide financial assistance.
Nenad Milanovic, a Serbian entrepreneur based in San Francisco, helped launch a fundraising website that has already collected $73,000.
“Students in Serbia don’t need to worry,” Milanovic told Reuters. “They have strong public support, and they will always have enough resources to continue.”
With energy, organization, and unwavering determination, students remain committed to fighting for justice and systemic change in Serbia.
