A powerful student-led strike swept through Serbia on Friday, shutting down numerous businesses and drawing tens of thousands into the streets as populist President Aleksandar Vucic prepared for a rally aimed at countering persistent anti-government protests.
The day marked a series of daily traffic blockades in various cities, commemorating the victims of a tragic canopy collapse in Novi Sad that claimed 15 lives last November. This somber remembrance quickly transformed into vibrant protest marches, with large crowds filling the streets of the capital, Belgrade, and other cities, echoing the rallying cry, “Let’s take freedom in our hands.”
Many Serbians believe the catastrophic failure of the concrete canopy at the train station stemmed from negligent reconstruction linked to corruption. The ensuing protests have become the largest challenge to Vucic’s decade-long rule, with accusations mounting against him for stifling democratic freedoms while pursuing European Union membership for the country.
It remains unclear how many businesses joined the students’ call for a one-day general strike, but reports indicated widespread participation from restaurants, bars, theaters, bakeries, and shops nationwide.
Later in the day, Vucic was set to gather supporters in Jagodina, announcing plans to establish a nationwide political movement reminiscent of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s approach, aimed at reinforcing the dominance of his right-wing Serbian Progressive Party.
In a controversial twist, the president and allied media have claimed that the student protests are orchestrated by foreign intelligence to destabilize the government, while pro-government groups have been accused of attacking citizens participating in the demonstrations. Fortunately, no incidents were reported during the 15-minute traffic blockades that began at 11:52 AM, marking the exact moment of the canopy collapse.
Serbian universities and many schools have been under blockade for two months, with a lawyers’ association also participating in a strike. Yet, it was uncertain how many state-run institutions were affected on Friday.
Protests were not limited to Belgrade and Novi Sad; demonstrations also erupted in the southern city of Nis and smaller towns, including Jagodina, right before Vucic’s arrival. Actor Goran Susljik articulated the collective sentiment, stating, “Things can’t stay the same anymore. Students have offered us a possibility for a change.”
In a sign of accountability, Serbian prosecutors have filed charges against 13 individuals connected to the canopy collapse, including a government minister and several state officials. However, the release of former construction minister Goran Vesic from detention has raised questions about the integrity of the investigation.
The main railway station in Novi Sad had undergone two renovations in recent years as part of a broader infrastructure deal with Chinese state companies, further fueling public scrutiny. As protests continue to unfold, the demand for accountability and change grows louder across Serbia.
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