Since November 2024, students across Serbia have remained steadfast in their pursuit of accountability and justice, showing exceptional resilience and determination in confronting the widespread corruption entrenched in both national and local institutions. The university blockades they organized go beyond mere protests—they serve as a powerful collective cry against systemic corruption and a courageous stand for a brighter, more equitable future. Through their actions, the students have sent a clear message: change is not only essential but inevitable when people unite for a common cause.
To provide them with a platform to voice their opinions and thereby amplify their efforts, we reached out to our PYN members on the ground, inviting them to share their stories and perspectives. These voices reveal the true essence of their fight that drives them forward. Their experiences matter, and it is through listening and sharing their stories that we strengthen the bonds of solidarity.
For the second round of interviews we asked Vladimir, a member of the Free Citizens Movement to share his views on the situation in Serbia: “The current protests in Serbia are led by students who have blocked university faculties, demanding concrete changes. Their demands are clear and precise, but the government refuses to fulfill them. Many professors support the students, and the protests have also gained support from the broader public.”
Vladimir continues: “The situation escalated after multiple mass protests and incidents. One particular case that resonated widely was when masked individuals, emerging from SNS party premises, beat a young woman with batons. This incident further fueled dissatisfaction and increased pressure on the government. In this context, the Prime Minister of Serbia resigned, but this did not lead to de-escalation.”
In response to the ongoing protests, Vladimir, a young politician, emphasizes the opposition’s unwavering support for the movement and its demands. He advocates for the establishment of a transitional expert government to create the necessary democratic conditions for fair elections and to address the students’ concerns. Vladimir also highlights the President of Serbia’s position, noting that, despite lacking formal authority on the matter, the President continues to reject the demands, stating he will never agree to them: “The situation escalated after multiple mass protests and incidents. One particular case that resonated widely was when masked individuals, emerging from SNS party premises, beat a young woman with batons. This incident further fueled dissatisfaction and increased pressure on the government. In this context, the Prime Minister of Serbia resigned, but this did not lead to de-escalation.”
As the PYN network, we firmly stand in solidarity with students and citizens in Serbia fighting for justice, democracy and respect for human rights. Together, we amplify their calls for justice, and together, we affirm our belief in a better, more equitable future in Serbia and all other countries of the Western Balkans.