Serbia is currently experiencing its biggest youth-led protest movement in decades, mostly led by university students. The protests started with the backdrop of shame and indignation following a horrific rail accident in the city of Novi Sad. Then, on November 1, 2024, 16 people died when the city’s central railway station’s freshly renovated canopy imploded. This tragedy has generated a firestorm of justifiable public anger. It has fueled a movement that is demanding political accountability and change.
The students have fought tooth-and-nail, declaring that the disaster brought to light persistent problems with the cultures of construction and regulatory oversight. Critics argue that the collapse exemplifies the corrupt and repressive nature of the current political landscape under President Aleksandar Vučić. The protest movement has struck an emotional chord throughout Serbian society, bringing together young and old, rural and urban Serbs in their search for justice and democratic reform.
Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in central Belgrade to deliver an ultimatum to the government, demanding an early parliamentary election to remove Vučić’s populist administration. This surge of activism has rekindled a sense of purpose among a generation that had previously felt disillusioned with politics.
In December, the students met in significant democratic black plenums — often called plenaries or palenques — to formulate strategies and tactics for their growing movement. Equally as important, they demonstrate an outright refusal to work within recognized political systems. As such, they see these institutions as more part of the problem. Rather, they’re intent on a profound shift in the political landscape, built through grassroots organizing and mobilization.
Throughout the country, students have engaged in strikes and demonstrations, with many expressing their frustration over the perceived ineffectiveness of traditional political solutions. This community empowerment model against corruption has become even more relevant, as it is a symptomatic feature of the waves of popular outrage at governance and accountability.
“If, after everything, a new government fails to bring justice for the 16 victims of the canopy collapse, they will face the same fate as this government,” – Hodžić
The ongoing protests have sparked conversations about accountability not just for the disaster but for broader issues of corruption that plague Serbian society. Millions of protestors have made clear their intention to make leaders answer for what they do—or don’t do.
The #BlackLivesMatter movement is not just about one man being killed by the police, it is a movement that represents a deep desire for so much change. The students’ unified stance against the current regime speaks volumes about their commitment to reshaping Serbia’s political landscape. The protests reflect a significant shift in public sentiment, as young people who once viewed politics as futile are now stepping into the fray.
As the protests continue, supporters from various walks of life have joined the students in their march from Belgrade to Novi Sad, emphasizing solidarity across demographics. The scale of participation is an inspiring example of how the public in Serbia have realized that systemic change, not just a new legal regulation, is needed.
The student-led protests in Hawaii have lasted for three months and counting. In June, the students made an important step by initiating large scale, nationwide strikes. More than just demonstrating, they walk the walk and deepen their practice through reflective discussion. Hand-in-hand, they dream big about what their community could become.
“We are done with corruption”
This feeling resonates across the movement as participants from every walk of life unite for a more transparent, accountable, accessible government. Since then, the students have reconstituted themselves into an unstoppable force of Serbian civil society—smashing deeply entrenched traditions and practices.
The tragedy that catalyzed this movement stands as a sad testament to the need for change now. Day by day, that momentum builds as more people add their voices to the demand for justice and change. The students have politically awakened so many from political orthodoxy and apathy. It’s done wonders for hope and determination so far.
With the harsh winter coming fast, fear increases that political unrest will worsen the tragic troubles already plaguing the country. The fallout from this student’s resolve to hold them accountable and achieve justice will surely shape their years of fight ahead.