Belgrade, September 22, 2025 – What began late last year as a quiet vigil by a small group of students has grown into one of the largest protest movements in Serbia’s history, comparable to the demonstrations that toppled Slobodan Milošević more than two decades ago, writes The Washington Post.
Student Movement Gathers Strength
Students are applying relentless pressure on President Aleksandar Vučić, his security apparatus, and pro-government media. State officials accuse them of being “foreign puppets” and “traitors”, allegedly backed by Western NGOs seeking to destabilize Serbia.
This new wave of protests has surprised many. Serbia’s Generation Z, once considered apolitical and more inclined to emigrate, has now taken the lead in demanding accountability and change.
A Critical Crossroads for Serbia
The country faces a decisive turning point:
- Will Serbia embrace European Union reforms in the judiciary, media, and security sector?
- Or will it drift further toward Russia, risking another decade on Europe’s margins?
Observers fear that Vučić’s response may include increased repression as protests grow in both size and intensity.
Europe’s Cautious Silence
The EU is watching closely. Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos condemned the wave of police violence against demonstrators, warning that member states are beginning to doubt Serbia’s commitment to its European path.
Still, EU leaders remain cautious, fearing that too much pressure on Vučić could push Serbia further away from Europe. On the other hand, silence risks giving the impression that Europe is indifferent to Serbia’s democratic backsliding.
Government Response and Escalation
In a written response to The Washington Post, Vučić accused demonstrators of inciting violence, claiming Serbia endured over 23,000 unauthorized gatherings in the past nine months. He rejected demands for snap elections, calling them destabilizing, while insisting that over 170 police officers have been injured during protests.
The weekend’s military parade in Belgrade further highlighted tensions, showcasing Serbian forces with French jets, Russian tanks, Chinese air-defense systems, while students attempting to attend the event were blocked by police.
Echoes of History and a Fight for the Future
Many note echoes of the 1990s student-led Otpor! movement, though today’s demonstrators were born after the Milošević era. Protesters denounce corruption, media control, and lack of accountability, citing recent tragedies such as the Novi Sad train station collapse as proof of systemic failure.
Students like Kristina (25), injured during a protest, and Nikolina Sinđelić (22), who described abuse while in police custody, have become symbols of resistance. Their stories underscore the risks young Serbians face in demanding change.
Despite growing repression, students insist they represent the future of Serbia, determined to fight for a democratic and European future.
