Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has invited representatives of ongoing protests to a public debate, offering to hold it live on television and across online platforms.
In his video address on Instagram, Vučić stated:
“I invite the representatives of the blockade movement to talk about visions, plans, and programs for the future, and for all of us to condemn the violence on our streets.”
Student Response: “Debate Only After Elections”
However, student groups leading the protests firmly rejected the invitation.
The Faculty of Philosophy students in Belgrade, currently in blockade, responded:
“He has no answer to the people’s revolt, so now he wants to talk with us whom he has called terrorists for months. We will debate about visions and the future – during the election campaign, once elections are called.”
Students from the Faculty of Electronic Engineering in Niš echoed the stance, stating that their demands have been clear for months: accountability for the Novi Sad railway station collapse and extraordinary parliamentary elections.
Protests and Government Response
For more than nine months, mass protests have been taking place across Serbia following the collapse of the railway station canopy in Novi Sad on 1 November 2024, which killed 16 people.
In recent weeks, demonstrations escalated, with reports of police violence, including the use of tear gas, stun grenades, arrests, and beatings of protesters. Among those detained, some have reported serious abuse, including threats of sexual violence.
Authorities, however, continue to refuse early elections, further fueling public anger.
UN and Equality Commissioner Call for Restraint
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, urged Serbian authorities to end violence and respect the right to peaceful assembly:
“Peaceful resolution is the only way forward through this difficult situation.”
Serbia’s Commissioner for Equality, Brankica Janković, also condemned reports of excessive police brutality, calling for equal treatment of all citizens and an immediate halt to abuses.
Vučić’s Offer of Dialogue
Despite criticism, Vučić insisted that dialogue is necessary:
“I want us to discuss the future of Serbia, to enter into a debate of visions, without violence or conflict. This is my offer – fair and open. Then citizens can decide whose vision is realistic.”
Still, protest leaders remain resolute: no dialogue without elections.
