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Serbia’s students deliver a significant blow to the regime

Serbia has been witnessing the largest protests ever in its history in response to the tragic collapse of the main railway station’s roof in Novi Sad. The government’s response has not been sufficient to meet the protesters’ demands, as they continue to blockade universities and major roads. How long either side can maintain its position, however, remains to be seen.

University blockades and protests have been rattling Serbia for the past two months. Dissatisfied citizens, mostly students, are demanding accountability from the government for the tragedy in Novi Sad, which claimed 15 lives and left two others seriously injured. For the first time, the ruling party is facing immense public pressure. However, aside from the populist measures, threats and intimidation, it has offered no meaningful response to appease the masses calling for justice. 

February 28, 2025 - Filip Mirilović - AnalysisIssue 1-2 2025Magazine

Students on Slavija Square during a protest in Belgrade demanding justice for the 15 lives lost in the tragic collapse of a Novi Sad station roof. Photo: Trxiswan / Shutterstock

As the regime faces its most significant political crisis to date, the ruling party is losing support. Students continue to blockade universities and major roads. Meanwhile, Serbia’s opposition remains entirely passive. Plagued by internal disputes, opposition leaders, as in the past, lack concrete strategies to elevate the current public unrest to a higher political level and prepare the groundwork for a serious challenge in the upcoming elections. 

The tragedy which triggered the protests 

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