plebeian on Nostr: Something extraordinary is happening in a small country in Eastern Europe In Serbia, ...
Something extraordinary is happening in a small country in Eastern Europe
In Serbia, student protests have been ongoing since November 2024, primarily triggered by the collapse of a concrete canopy at Novi Sad railway station, which resulted in 15 deaths. These protests have evolved into a broader anti-government movement, demanding accountability, justice for the disaster, and a fight against corruption and perceived authoritarian rule under President Aleksandar Vučić. Here's a summary of the situation:
**Protests and Strikes**:
Students have organized various forms of protest, including daily blockades, marches, and sit-ins. The protests have grown to include a general strike called by students, where many businesses, schools, bookshops, and theaters in Belgrade and other parts of Serbia have either shut down or participated in solidarity actions. This strike was notably joined by teachers, lawyers, and even some media workers, showing widespread support across different sectors of society.
**Demands**:
The students initially demanded accountability for the railway station disaster, but the protests have expanded to include calls for systemic change, the release of all documents related to the Novi Sad station reconstruction, and the prosecution of those responsible for the tragedy and attacks on protesters. They also seek an end to corruption and a more democratic governance system.
**Government Response**:
The Serbian government has faced significant pressure, with President Vučić organizing counter-rallies to maintain support for his administration. There have been instances of state media and pro-government forces attempting to discredit the protests by associating them with foreign influences or by revealing personal information of protesters, suggesting state security involvement.
**Public Sentiment**:
The protests have garnered significant public support, with polls indicating a majority of Serbians support the student movement, reflecting broader dissatisfaction with the direction of the country under the current government. However, translating this support into political change has proven challenging due to the lack of a clear alternative.
**Violent Incidents**:
There have been violent incidents, including cars driving into crowds of protesters, which have further escalated tensions and demands for justice and government accountability.
**Cultural and Social Backing**:
The movement has received backing from various societal groups, including cultural institutions, which have either joined the strikes or supported the protests in other ways, highlighting a cultural resistance to the government's policies.
This ongoing situation in Serbia reflects deep-seated issues with governance, corruption, and public trust, with students at the forefront of demanding change.
I guess they have come to the “bad times create strong man” moment.
In Serbia, student protests have been ongoing since November 2024, primarily triggered by the collapse of a concrete canopy at Novi Sad railway station, which resulted in 15 deaths. These protests have evolved into a broader anti-government movement, demanding accountability, justice for the disaster, and a fight against corruption and perceived authoritarian rule under President Aleksandar Vučić. Here's a summary of the situation:
**Protests and Strikes**:
Students have organized various forms of protest, including daily blockades, marches, and sit-ins. The protests have grown to include a general strike called by students, where many businesses, schools, bookshops, and theaters in Belgrade and other parts of Serbia have either shut down or participated in solidarity actions. This strike was notably joined by teachers, lawyers, and even some media workers, showing widespread support across different sectors of society.
**Demands**:
The students initially demanded accountability for the railway station disaster, but the protests have expanded to include calls for systemic change, the release of all documents related to the Novi Sad station reconstruction, and the prosecution of those responsible for the tragedy and attacks on protesters. They also seek an end to corruption and a more democratic governance system.
**Government Response**:
The Serbian government has faced significant pressure, with President Vučić organizing counter-rallies to maintain support for his administration. There have been instances of state media and pro-government forces attempting to discredit the protests by associating them with foreign influences or by revealing personal information of protesters, suggesting state security involvement.
**Public Sentiment**:
The protests have garnered significant public support, with polls indicating a majority of Serbians support the student movement, reflecting broader dissatisfaction with the direction of the country under the current government. However, translating this support into political change has proven challenging due to the lack of a clear alternative.
**Violent Incidents**:
There have been violent incidents, including cars driving into crowds of protesters, which have further escalated tensions and demands for justice and government accountability.
**Cultural and Social Backing**:
The movement has received backing from various societal groups, including cultural institutions, which have either joined the strikes or supported the protests in other ways, highlighting a cultural resistance to the government's policies.
This ongoing situation in Serbia reflects deep-seated issues with governance, corruption, and public trust, with students at the forefront of demanding change.
I guess they have come to the “bad times create strong man” moment.