For nearly two months, students across Serbia have been resolute in their pursuit of accountability and justice, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination in tackling widespread corruption present across national and local level institutions and stakeholders. The students organized University blockades which represent far more than protests—they embody a collective outcry against systemic corruption and a bold fight for a brighter, fairer future. The students’ actions send a clear message: change is not only necessary, but inevitable when people come together 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.
We asked Miona, a member of the Democratic Party to share her views on the situation in Serbia: “On November 1, 2024, an unprecedented tragedy struck Novi Sad, claiming 15 lives. The canopy at the Railway Station collapsed under the weight of corruption and irresponsibility. To me, its fall represents one of the symbols of the rotten foundations of this government.”
Miona highlights the gravity of the situation: “Nearly two months ago, students across Serbia voiced their demands and decided to initiate a blockade of their universities until those demands were met. These blockades have become a symbol of resistance against corrupt structures and the overall state in which the ideals of democracy, justice, and freedom are suffocated daily. As a student actively participating in them, I take pride in this energy fighting for change and for the future—not only our own but that of all citizens of the Republic of Serbia.” She also adds:
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone from the region and the diaspora for the support you have given us. Your solidarity and empathy empower us to keep going. I urge you to be even clearer, louder, and braver in your own communities and to always condemn any form of violence that students and others in Serbia are facing. We need you in this fight now more than ever.”
Miona finishes with positive affirmation and the message: “We are not just students; we are the bearers of hope, and we will not stop until our demands are met!”
We also spoke with Vladimir, a member of the Free Citizens Movement, to gain his perspective on the mass protests: “The current protests in Serbia have been ongoing for two months and 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 explains: “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.” He also emphasized: “The opposition fully supports the protests and demands the formation of a transitional expert government, which would ensure democratic conditions for elections and fulfill the students’ demands. The President of Serbia, although not formally authorized for resolving these issues, is continuously speaking out claiming that he will never agree to these demands.”
On January 30th, students from Belgrade embarked on a symbolic march to Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city and the site of the tragic events at the railway station. Upon arrival, they will join forces with students from Novi Sad and stand in solidarity with other groups of protesters, including teachers, farmers, workers, lawyers, and medical staff, in a unified demonstration. Vladimir elaborates: “Ahead of a major protest scheduled in Novi Sad on February 1st, reports emerged that buses and trains between Belgrade and Novi Sad would not be operating, prompting students to begin a 80-kilometer journey on foot. The government, for its part, claims that the students’ demands have already been met but has yet to provide documentation regarding the reconstruction of the canopy, which students consider a key piece of evidence. At the same time, the government is offering various concessions, such as subsidies, reduced tuition fees, and cheaper housing for young people, but still without directly fulfilling the main demands of the protests.”
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.