Student-led protests in Serbia continue to gain significant public backing, with 80% of citizens supporting the students’ demands, and one-third actively participating in demonstrations. The protests, initially sparked by concerns over corruption and governance failures after the collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy, which tragically claimed 15 lives, have since grown into a broader demand for accountability and systemic change. Legal professionals, university professors, and CSOs have joined in solidarity, amplifying the movement’s reach. International concern has grown, with the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressing worries over the situation and urging Serbian authorities to uphold democratic values. The Serbian government, however, dismissed these statements as “generalized accusations”, maintaining that it respects human rights and freedoms. Amid mass demonstrations on Serbia’s Statehood Day, the Serbian President staged a counter-rally, attempting to overshadow the student-led protests. Despite these efforts, the protests persist, highlighting deep societal divisions and dissatisfaction with the current government. Slovenian MEP Irena Joveva from Renew Europe voiced support for the students, highlighting the importance of democratic engagement and the right to protest. She called on Serbian authorities to engage in dialogue with young people rather than resorting to suppression.
