Thousands of Students Protest Against Corruption and Nepotism in Serbia's Streets

Thousands of Students Protest Against Corruption and Nepotism in Serbia's Streets

Kragujevac, Serbia, February 15: The government opposition protests have intensified following the November 2024 roof collapse at Novi Sad Railway Station, which killed 15 people. On Saturday, thousands of students gathered in the central Serbian city of Kragujevac, marking the largest protest movement against the government yet.

In the three months since the roof collapse at Novi Sad Railway Station that resulted in the deaths of 15 people, protest movements have emerged, becoming Serbia's largest opposition movement against government corruption and nepotism. Many Serbians believe the tragedy was caused by corruption and nepotism within President Aleksandar Vucic’s government, which denies the allegations. Political analysts suggest that this protest movement has become a significant threat to Vucic's decade-long grip on power.

On Saturday morning, despite near-freezing temperatures, students from across Serbia arrived in Kragujevac, some traveling on foot from the capital Belgrade, about 140 kilometers away. They participated in the protest by beating drums, blowing whistles, and waving Serbia's national flag. Locals greeted the protesters with applause.

The protesters planned to block one of the city’s main streets for 15 hours and 15 minutes, a symbolic tribute to the victims.

"We are here to fight for a better tomorrow, against corruption," said 20-year-old Jovan, who drove from Belgrade with a group of friends. "I love my country and I want my children to grow up here," he said.

Despite the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and two other ministers and the charging of 13 people over the disaster, the protests have shown no signs of slowing down.

Since the accident, students have staged daily protests, occupying university buildings and blocking highways and city squares.