In a remarkable display of unity and resolve, hundreds of striking students took to the Serbian countryside on Friday, marching toward the northern city of Novi Sad. Their mission: to blockade three bridges over the River Danube this weekend, marking a poignant three months since the tragic collapse of a concrete structure at the railway station that claimed 15 lives on November 1.
What began two months ago as a protest against suspected corruption in construction contracts has evolved into a formidable challenge to the rule of President Aleksandar Vucic, a powerful populist leader. The students, emboldened by their cause, are demanding accountability and justice for the victims of the railway disaster.
In Belgrade, tensions flared as a driver deliberately crashed into a silent protest, injuring two female doctors from a nearby psychiatric institution. This incident, the third of its kind in recent weeks, occurred during the daily moment of silence held nationwide to honor those lost in the Novi Sad tragedy. Pro-government thugs have repeatedly targeted the protests, leading to serious injuries among demonstrators.
As the students journeyed toward Novi Sad, they were met with enthusiastic support from local residents, who cheered them on and provided food and drinks. When they reached the town of Indjija, roughly halfway through their 80-kilometer (50-mile) trek, the atmosphere was electric, with fireworks lighting up the night sky in celebration of their determination.
Despite the biting cold, the students remained undeterred. “We will make it to Novi Sad,” declared Nevena Vecerinac, one of the marchers, expressing hope that their demands for justice would be met. “Yesterday’s walk was easy. It’s cold now, but we can make it. We all have the same goal.”
Luka Arsenovic, another student, echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the need for widespread support. “With this energy and mood, I hope we can do it; otherwise, there will be no brighter future.”
Many Serbians believe that the collapse was a direct result of corruption linked to a major infrastructure project involving Chinese state companies. Critics argue that graft led to shoddy work, inadequate oversight, and a blatant disregard for safety regulations.
These months-long protests have already yielded significant political fallout, including the resignation of Serbia’s Prime Minister, Milos Vucevic, earlier this week. While authorities have made concessions, the protesters remain steadfast, insisting that more must be done.
In a surprising twist, Vucic and his administration have shifted their rhetoric from accusing the students of foreign collusion to offering concessions and issuing veiled threats. The resilience and determination of these young marchers have caught many off guard in a country where a significant number of youths have emigrated in search of better opportunities.
As the march continues, the students symbolize a growing movement for change in Serbia, igniting a spark of hope in a nation grappling with deep-rooted corruption and a demand for accountability.
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