Thewesternbalkans.
The ongoing protests in Serbia are entering a new and significant phase, with students calling for a general strike across the country. The protests, initially sparked by the collapse of the concrete canopy at Novi Sad railway station on November 1, 2024—which tragically claimed 15 lives—have gained momentum in recent weeks. Online platforms are now flooded with calls urging all Serbian citizens to cease work and block streets and highways on Friday, January 24.
Public institutions and companies across Serbia have started to echo these demands, sharing similar messages on their social media accounts. Students, who first initiated the protests by staging blockades at their universities, continue to lead the movement. However, opposition parties have yet to actively join their efforts.
In solidarity with the students, several university professors have announced their refusal to conduct exams or hold classes. This show of support comes despite threats of dismissal from the authorities. The protests have also garnered endorsements from prominent Serbian figures, including tennis icon Novak Djokovic and NBA star Bogdan Bogdanović. Secondary school students have joined the demonstrations as well, suspending classes with the backing of their teachers.
From the day following the Novi Sad tragedy, citizens, activists, and some opposition members of parliament began holding vigils in various Serbian cities. Protesters displayed banners with messages such as “Stop, Serbia!” and observed 15 minutes of silence in honor of the victims.
President Aleksandar Vučić responded to the protests by dismissing the calls for a general strike, stating, “There are a lot of crazy people in our country.” Serbian media reports that, in a counter-move, Vučić has scheduled a rally in Jagodina for January 24. This event will launch the “People’s Movement for the State,” a supra-party initiative he first announced two years ago. As is typical of the Serbian Progressive Party’s events, attendees are expected to be state and municipal employees transported to the rally, with additional participation incentivized through allowances of 2,000 to 4,000 dinars (17–34 euros), particularly targeting pensioners.
Commentary:
The outrage of Serbian citizens, especially students, is a justified reaction to the Novi Sad tragedy, with many accusing the Serbian Progressive Party government of corruption and failing to hold those responsible accountable. Remarkably, over two and a half months since the protests began, participation has not waned but has instead grown, drawing increasing support from citizens and activists.
The muted response from opposition parties is noteworthy; they have refrained from leveraging the protests for political gain, likely to avoid accusations from the government of exploiting the tragedy for a power grab. Meanwhile, the prolonged nature and swelling support for the student-led protests appear to be making the Serbian government increasingly uneasy. This growing movement has the potential to evolve into a broader national initiative, potentially culminating in a call for early elections and a significant political shift in Serbia.
