Students from the “Blockade for a Week” movement in Serbia have announced their next initiative, “Call the Victory Elections,” which will take place across multiple cities. Stands will be set up where citizens can sign petitions supporting the call for early parliamentary elections. Additionally, a bazaar at Students’ Square in Belgrade will raise funds for upcoming activities. Donations for vulnerable groups were also collected in front of the Faculty of Agriculture today.
Students have been demanding early elections since May, spanning four seasons, turning the demand into a widely shared New Year’s wish.
“Step by step, it will lead to the announcement of early parliamentary elections,” said Lav Antićević, a student at the Faculty of Agriculture.
As part of the “Call the Victory Elections” initiative on 28 December, students will engage directly with citizens, providing information and updates on the movement’s progress.
“We enable citizens to be informed and follow all further steps, receiving information firsthand from us,” the student explained.
At the stands, citizens will learn why holding early parliamentary elections is crucial. The Rebellious University movement has also endorsed the initiative.
Miloš Đajić, professor at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad and member of the Rebellious University, encouraged citizens to participate:
“People comment that students cannot be criticized, that they don’t know what students want… Here’s an opportunity: come out and have a conversation.”
Students previously conducted door-to-door campaigns, reporting a very positive response. Lav noted:
“People were very receptive and supportive. What has changed from the beginning of last year is that local organization has improved, and collecting signatures is truly an excellent idea.”
Vanja Macanović from the Autonomous Women’s Center also praised the initiative, highlighting improved local coordination.
The number of collected signatures will indicate whether the demand is only from students or reflects broader public support.
Will the signatures reach the president, who has the authority to call elections?
“The president’s position should reflect the people’s will. If the public expresses it clearly, that’s the logical next step,” said Lav.
Professor Đajić stressed the significance of the moment:
“This is very important because it will show, numerically, that a large number of people want to go to the polls, even under these conditions. This is the only peaceful way to ensure that the authorities become what they should be—replaceable.”
