The Student-Led Movement in Serbia: A Fight for Justice and Change

In the midst of a monumental 250-mile march from Novi Pazar to Novi Sad, Inas Hodžić epitomizes the spirit of a generation. With remarkable energy, he joins thousands of Serbian students on a quest fueled by anger and grief, stemming from the tragic collapse of the canopy at Novi Sad's main railway station. This incident claimed the lives of 16 people on November 1, 2024, exposing not only the failings of construction but also the deep-rooted corruption in Serbia's political landscape. The aftermath saw a surge of protests—Serbia’s largest youth-led movement since the fall of Slobodan Milošević—where the students’ frustrations initially radiated a general discontent towards a political system they deemed corrupt and oppressive. As the movement grew, so too did the clarity of their demands, now calling for snap parliamentary elections to replace a political class they distrust. "If after everything a new government fails to bring justice for the 16 victims of the canopy collapse," Hodžić warns, "they will face the same fate as this government." On the first anniversary of the tragedy, tens of thousands are expected to congregate in Novi Sad for a demonstration aimed at sending a message to President Aleksandar Vučić: the youth are not backing down. This student-led movement has reignited the political engagement of a generation that had long felt disenfranchised. However, the movement faces significant challenges. Despite the sustained turnout of protesters, Vučić shows reluctance to respond to their demands, expressing disdain for them as he oversees a political structure largely dominated by his party. The quest for unity among the student protesters has become increasingly complex, with rifts appearing over strategies and goals. Originally unified in their rejection of conventional political engagement, the movement now finds itself divided regarding the advocacy for early elections. Some students urge the formation of an electoral list independent of current political actors, citing a desire for justice through new leadership. Others, however, caution that entering the electoral process could undermine their core ideals. For instance, Siniša Cvetić warns that a shift towards electoral politics could detract from the movement’s original commitment to grassroots democracy and amplify existing tensions. As the protests continue, authorities have responded with detentions and accusations of brutality against protesters—efforts seen as attempts to stifle dissent. These disturbing government actions further complicate the students' fight as they confront oppressive measures while striving for a democratic transformation. Despite differences in tactics, there is profound agreement on the movement's achievements. Many, like Branislav Manojlović, articulate a renewed sense of purpose and motivation among the Serbian populace, emphasizing that the students are teaching society how to fight for justice and civic engagement. The protests have also attracted international attention, with the European Parliament issuing stern criticisms of Vučić's government. While some students welcome this external support, they also express concern about corporate interests co-opting their movement. Amidst this complex landscape, observers such as Jana Bacević argue that the very pursuit of elections highlights the limitations of Serbia’s liberal democratic framework. They point to historical precedents that reflect the necessity for more profound change rather than mere electoral shifts. Vučić, on the other hand, stands firm, insisting that Serbia will hold elections as scheduled and dismissing the protests as destabilization attempts backed by foreign entities. As the protesters remain resolute, the path forward remains uncertain. One thing, however, is clear: the spirit of civic participation has been revived. "The students are guiding us toward a fairer society, showing us that elections alone won't fix everything," Manojlović concludes. The Serbian student movement, born from tragedy, now wields the power of collective action as they continue to fight for a brighter, more just future. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2