Students participating in ongoing blockades at Novi Sad universities have announced a new protest, scheduled for January 17 in Novi Sad, signaling what they describe as a new and more concrete phase of their movement.
In a video published on Instagram, the students not only called on supporters to attend the gathering but also emphasized that their struggle is entering a decisive stage.
“What does victory mean?” the students asked rhetorically in the video, before reflecting on the origins of their protest.
“Let us briefly return to the beginning. We, the students, did not anticipate everything that awaited us when we embarked on this struggle. From that moment on, we built unity — in blockades, in moments of joy, and in times of difficulty. We did not divide ourselves; instead, we strengthened our togetherness. Through effort and dedication, we earned trust, and the energy accumulated throughout 2025 is now taking on a new form. The concrete realization of our struggle follows,” the statement reads.
Growing Momentum Ahead of January 17
The announcement suggests that the protest on January 17 will mark a turning point, moving beyond symbolic resistance toward more clearly defined demands and actions.
In the days leading up to the official announcement, students had already hinted at the upcoming gathering through social media posts, including one message that read:
“Snow is falling, the regime is shaking, and we are preparing for January 17 in Novi Sad.”
Context of the Student Movement
The student blockades in Novi Sad are part of broader civic and academic protests that have intensified over the past year, reflecting wider dissatisfaction with political conditions, governance, and institutional accountability in Serbia.
The upcoming rally is expected to draw significant attention, as students position themselves as one of the most organized and persistent sources of pressure on the authorities, emphasizing unity, persistence, and a shift toward concrete political and social demands.
