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Protests in Serbia don't stop/ Students block Novi Sad, Vučić: Come and talk!

2025-02-02 19:02:54Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Protests in Serbia don't stop/ Students block Novi Sad, Vučić: Come and
Students block Novi Sad

Students in Serbia extended their blockade of a bridge over the Danube River in Novi Sad into the evening hours, where they spent the night as part of their growing movement against corruption and demands for major changes in the Balkan country.

Although the blockade was scheduled to end at 3 p.m. local time, protesters decided to extend it for another three hours while they cleaned up the area where their rally had been taking place since Saturday. Thousands of people joined in Sunday in a continued show of support.

Dozens of farmers parked their tractors near the bridge, which is called the “Bridge of Freedom,” saying they want to protect students from incidents and possible attacks by supporters of Serbia’s powerful President, Aleksandar Vučić. Novi Sad residents brought tea and coffee, pancakes, pastries and cooked food to the protesting students.

University students in Serbia are leading a massive anti-corruption movement, which was sparked by the collapse of a concrete roof at the central train station in Novi Sad on November 1, leaving 15 dead.

Critics believe that corruption led to slow work during the reconstruction of the Novi Sad train station, weak supervision and disregard for existing safety regulations. The case has become a symbol of broader dissatisfaction with the rule of law in Serbia.

"The only way to end this (protests) is for all our demands to be met," said student Lucija Maslaković. The students are demanding a full investigation, the publication of all documents on the renovation of the railway station, and the punishment of those responsible for the collapse of the roof.

Daily protests across Serbia pose a major challenge to President Vučić. The student movement forced Prime Minister Miloš Vučević, a Vučić ally, to resign earlier this week.

The tightly controlled pro-government media have largely ignored the protests, occasionally running fake news and photos showing empty streets and claiming that the rally in Novi Sad was a "disaster" due to what they said was low turnout.

State broadcaster RTS made an unexpected exception on Saturday by broadcasting live the protest in Novi Sad, which was attended by tens of thousands of people.

The ruling Serbian Progressive Party reacted quickly, strongly condemning the "scandalous coverage" of the bridge blockade in Novi Sad. According to Vučić's party, the state television has "violated all the rules and values ​​of objective and impartial journalism with its scandalous reporting."

Students stood on one of Novi Sad's bridges all night after blocking all three of the city's bridges for several hours on Saturday. Tens of thousands of people joined in, adding to the pressure on the ruling populists.

"I support them completely, I can't believe how well organized they are, how mature and good they are," said Jelena Djordjevic, a university professor from Novi Sad. "They are just extraordinary," she said.

Vučić's other message to protesters: The solution is only found through talks...

Meanwhile, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić addressed the citizens through a video message posted on the "Future of Serbia" account on Instagram. He began his speech by thanking all those who have protested, but also those citizens who do not "agree" with the rallies that have taken over the country. The Serbian head of state said that it is important that "talks with professors, university representatives begin as soon as possible."

"Dear citizens, I want to thank everyone, both those who participated in the protests yesterday and today, but also the large number of citizens who disagree with the protests, and who calmly and patiently waited for the end of the demonstrations. This is a very important lesson for all of us. Important, because we have preserved peace, stability and hope for the future. It is important that discussions with professors and university representatives begin as soon as possible. No one should evade responsibility. They must understand well that solutions can only be achieved through conversation. I also want to thank all the people across Serbia, ordinary people, who are sending words of support. When I say words of support, not for me personally, but for the state of Serbia. I am absolutely unwavering in my judgment that Serbia can and should have only one Serbian government. If not, then it is time for new elections. We do not need governments imposed from abroad, and governments imposed without elections and the will of the people. "I will remain committed to the citizens of Serbia, because you have elected me, and I will never give up on a successful and progressive Serbia. Thank you very much," Vučić said.

The student protests have hit home in corruption-ridden Serbia, where few citizens believe that state institutions, which are under strong populist control, are working in the public interest. Many believe that the collapse of the train station roof was essentially the result of government corruption in a major infrastructure project with Chinese state-owned companies.


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