Protests for and against Vučić/ Serbian President tries to add "gasoline to the fire"

2025-02-15 19:55:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Protests for and against Vu?i?/ Serbian President tries to add "gasoline

In Serbia, student protesters and supporters of populist President Aleksandar Vu?i? are holding parallel rallies as they mark the country's "Statehood Day" with starkly contrasting messages.

The student-led protest is the latest in a nationwide anti-corruption movement that reflects growing calls for fundamental political change in the Balkan state, which was sparked by the collapse of a concrete roof at the central train station in Novi Sad on November 1, leaving 15 dead.

The rally in the central industrial city of Kragujevac attracted tens of thousands of people who, in addition to demanding justice for the accident, have called for the eradication of rampant endemic corruption and respect for the rule of law.

The students chose the city of Kragujevac for Saturday's rally because of its history. In 1835, Serbia was still part of the Ottoman Empire, and the people of Kragujevac proclaimed a new constitution that sought to limit the powers of the then rulers. This date is now celebrated as "Statehood Day."

People from all over the country came to Kragujevac for Saturday's gathering.

“ I am here to support this student rebellion, which has turned into a civil rebellion, and to fight for the rule of law and justice in this society, so that Serbia becomes a place where life is dignified, ” said a woman from Belgrade who identified herself only by her first name, Teodora.

"We hope for a victory and success of our students, because what they have awakened in us is sensitivity, love, victory for that justice at last and to feel once again what many generations have not felt, and that is freedom ," said Nebojša Ivankovi?, a local resident.

Meanwhile, in Sremska Mitrovica, a small town northwest of Belgrade, Serbian President Aleksandar Vu?i? is expected to recycle a traditional nationalist theme, warning that the West wants to overthrow him by force and that this could lead to the disintegration of the country.

Serbian authorities have put thousands of supporters on buses from across the country and neighboring Bosnia. Some opposition activists have said they will try to prevent their arrival.

President Vu?i? said on social media that his supporters want to "protect and save Serbia from those who want to destroy it."

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A post shared by Aleksandar Vu?i? (@buducnostsrbijeav)

Daily protests across Serbia pose a major challenge to President Vu?i?. Prosecutors have charged 13 people over the roof collapse, and the protests have forced the resignation of Serbia's prime minister. But students have said their protests will continue until their demands for full accountability are met.

The student protests have hit a nerve in corruption-ridden Serbia, where few citizens trust that state institutions, which are under strong populist control, are working in the public interest. Many believe the collapse of the train station roof was essentially the result of government corruption in a major infrastructure project with Chinese state-owned companies./VOA