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| Serbia has been rocked by student protests against government corruption. The country's second-largest city, Novi Sad, was rocked by a wave of violence on Saturday | Photo: Reuters |
Protests against corruption continue to intensify in Serbia’s second-largest city, Novi Sad. Thousands of students blocked roads and bridges on Saturday, marking another large-scale demonstration in their ongoing movement. The protests, which began three months ago following the collapse of a railway station roof, have put increasing pressure on the Serbian government.
Led by university students, the demonstrations have already resulted in the resignation of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević and several high-ranking officials. Protesters are demanding accountability for those responsible for the roof collapse, blaming government corruption and inefficiency.
The movement escalated last Tuesday when students in the capital, Belgrade, staged a 24-hour road blockade, ultimately forcing the Prime Minister’s resignation. Earlier, nationwide protests had already led to the temporary closure of schools and businesses.
The unrest began in November when a railway station roof collapsed in Novi Sad, killing 15 people. What started as outrage over the disaster quickly turned into a nationwide anti-corruption movement. Daily protests have since taken place across the country, with students playing a central role.
On Saturday, as demonstrators gathered in the city center, philosophy student Jelena Vuksanović declared, “There’s no turning back. We are not afraid. We will not stop.”
Before the student protests began, Novi Sad experienced severe traffic congestion. As the demonstration unfolded, thousands of students carrying flags filled the streets, chanting against corruption. They blocked roads and three key bridges before assembling near Freedom Bridge. Local farmers also joined the protest with their tractors in support of the movement.
Nedeljka Mizjanović, a law student from Novi Sad, expressed hope for change, saying, “Novi Sad has never seen anything like this before. I am certain that Generation Z will bring change. I believe in our young generation.”
President Aleksandar Vučić and other government officials remain indecisive about engaging in talks with the protesters. They have suggested that foreign forces may be influencing the movement, further complicating efforts to resolve the crisis.