Thousands of students gathered in Kragujevac, central Serbia, on Saturday, demanding accountability from authorities after the deadly train station collapse in Novi Sad last November. At the same time, supporters of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić organized a rally in Sremska Mitrovica to mark Serbia’s Statehood Day, reports RFE.
The student-led protests, which have persisted nationwide since November 1, accuse government corruption and nepotism of causing the Novi Sad disaster that killed 15 people. These demonstrations pose one of the biggest challenges to Vučić’s decade-long rule.
Students have been blocking university faculties across Serbia, demanding both political and criminal responsibility. In Kragujevac, they planned a 15-hour, 15-minute roadblock in memory of the victims. Local residents welcomed them with cheers, food, and support, signaling widespread discontent with the government.
However, extremist elements have also been observed at some protests. Reports indicate the presence of far-right groups displaying Kosovo-related nationalist slogans and symbols. While students have distanced themselves from such organizations, the involvement of ultranationalist elements has drawn concern.
Meanwhile, Vučić’s rally in Sremska Mitrovica is expected to reinforce nationalist rhetoric, warning of alleged Western attempts to overthrow him. Authorities are reportedly bussing in thousands of supporters from across Serbia and Bosnia.
The growing anti-corruption movement, sparked by the train station collapse, presents a significant test for Vučić’s administration, long accused of suppressing democratic freedoms and silencing dissent.
