Student protests escalate in Serbia, transitioning from roadblock demonstrations to electoral engagements as they challenge the government's policies.

Fiery Protests Ignite Serbia: A Battle Cry for Reform

A lively, spontaneous gathering took place the previous night, as throngs of people walked from all over Serbia to join the celebration. They were warmly welcomed with flags and fireworks by the townsfolk.

The country has been on edge for months due to a series of protests sparked by the unfortunate deaths of 16 individuals when a newly revamped train station's roof caved in in the northern city of Novi Sad in November. Many view this tragedy as yet another example of the severe corruption plaguing the system.

University students have played a pivotal role in these demonstrations, remaining staunchly impartial in their message. They've obstructed campuses, streets, and roads, marched across the nation, cycled to Strasbourg, and even ran to Brussels – all part of their effort to create a stir.

These actions have been instrumental in raising awareness and reaching sections of the public that the political opposition had never managed to touch, according to Dusan Vucicevic, a political science professor at the University of Belgrade, who spoke with AFP.

However, as the protests have escalated, the public has grown increasingly eager for some sort of definitive political stance. Vucicevic uses this term in reference to strategies.

Earlier this week, the students altered their tactics and demanded early parliamentary elections.

"We've reached a point where we recognized that this government won't address our demands," Belgrade Academy student Andjela explained to AFP. "This has been going on for almost six months, and they seem to not even notice our presence."

The students' demands include accountability for the tragedy, the prosecution of those who assaulted protesters, the dismissal of charges against detained students, and an investigation into the alleged use of a sound cannon during a protest in March.

Looming Polls

Aleksandar Vucic, Serbia's President, is grappling with the most significant test in his 12-year rule, as the nation's political landscape shifts. Vucic has shifted between calls for dialogue and accusations that the students are puppets of foreign powers conspiring to orchestrate a "color revolution."

In reaction to their call for elections, Vucic stated on Wednesday that students "won't have to wait long" – though he provided no date for the elections.

The students have already started their preparation for the elections, with a list of potential candidates they support. They argue that these candidates would unite the majority of Serbian citizens by featuring eminent individuals rather than politicians.

"Students won't be candidates. It will be people we trust," Andjela noted. "The criteria for these potential candidates are still being established."

Vucicevic pointed out that the students' power lies in their emotional connection with the public, as well as their demands, which are political but not party-specific.

"They aim for respect for law, social justice, and political accountability – values that resonate universally," Vucicevic stated.

Public Trust

Most opposition parties, ranging from the left to the center, have expressed their support for the students' demands and pledged to assist them in organizing. However, there is no assurance that these parties would withdraw their candidates in favor of the students' nominees.

Vucicevic noted that the opposition battles with public trust – in substantial part due to propaganda campaigns conducted by the government and pro-government media.

Yet, the students are altering public perception.

"Many anti-Vucic voters voted against Vucic rather than for the opposition," the political scientist explained. "In contrast, the student movement is forming a base of pro-student voters."

Parliamentary elections were last held in December 2023, with the ruling nationalist party claiming victory amid allegations of fraud, which Vucic dismissed. The united opposition won 23.5 percent of the vote. Protests have since prompted the prime minister's resignation and the government's collapse. A new government, led by a political novice and medical doctor, was elected by parliament in mid-April.

Additional Insights:

Behind the scenes, powerful figures may be exerting influence to maintain control and quash opposition movements, as seen in the suppression of NGOs through armed police raids, raising concerns about human rights and freedom of expression.
Despite the government's resistance, the growing student movement and their unwavering demands may lead to significant shifts in Serbia's political landscape, potentially paving the way for greater transparency and accountability.

The university students in Serbia, in their demand for early parliamentary elections, are not only striving for accountability in the aftermath of the Novi Sad tragedy, but also aiming to address the widespread issue of corruption in politics, which they see as a key aspect of securing justice and reform.
As the elections draw near, the students are working diligently to nominate candidates who they believe can stand for social justice and political accountability, values that have resonated universally and gained the trust of a growing number of Serbian citizens.

Student protests escalate in Serbia, transitioning from roadblock demonstrations to electoral engagements as they challenge the government's policies.