In Serbia, youth manifests against the corruption of the regime after the tragedy of Novi Sad station

In recent months, massive demonstrations orchestrated by students have been shaking Serbia. The origin of this anger lies in the collapse of an awning at Novi Sad station, the second largest city in the country, located 80 km northwest of Belgrade. On the other hand on November 1, the accident caused the death of 15 people and injured several others, when the structure had just been renovated.

Since then, universities and roads have been occupied, the rallies have multiplied, recalling the mobilizations of winter 1996 which played a key role in the fall of the Slobodan Milosevic regime, in 2000. The protesters demanded transparency on the circumstances of the accident, the end of corruption and respect for the rule of law.

Authoritarian drift and clientelism of the president

Despite concessions, such as increasing the financing of universities, government responses are deemed insufficient. Students believe that the resignations of officials, including that of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic at the end of January, only aim to divert attention without providing real reforms.

This tragedy has become the symbol of the authoritarian drift and clientelism of Aleksandar Vucic, elected president in 2017, then of his Progressive Serbian party (SNS), conservative and populist, came to power in 2012.

Despite physical threats and hostile coverage of pro-government media, popular support is growing, including citizens, lawyers, farmers, as well as the elderly. Although the long -term repercussions of this uprising remain uncertain, the commitment of the demonstrators for a deep and lasting change remains flawless.