“I joined the demonstration because I support the students’ demands. I stand with them because I still believe in justice,” says R., from Novi Sad.
The northern Serbian city was flooded with students and citizens who occupied the three urban bridges crossing the Danube from 3 PM to 6 PM on February 1. The largest, Liberty Bridge, remained blocked until February 2 at 2 PM. “Three months – Three bridges” is the slogan that highlights the reason for their gathering: the demand for justice for the 15 people who died when the station roof collapsed on November 1. Many blame the incident on a system of corruption and poor oversight of infrastructure projects by the right-wing populist Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) government.
Protests were organized by university students’ unions, providing real-time updates via social media. Tractors moved through the streets, with farmers leading three distinct groups of students marching toward the bridges, while thousands of locals lined the route, cheering them on. They stationed themselves at both ends of Novi Sad bridges, making noise with drums and chants. Many gathered in the park next to Liberty Bridge, playing basketball or dancing. Volunteers and citizens set up stands offering free food and drinks. Many in the crowd waved Serbian flags or held banners proclaiming, “We are defending freedom.”
“The energy was so good. So many people came from other cities too. It’s a historic moment, and it’s amazing to witness it. These young generations are bringing back hope to us. The power of youth and education is transformative in a way. People were crying, crying with joy. There were so many emotions,” tells F., another Novi Sad native.
Context of the protest
The February 1 protest continued the march of students who arrived in Novi Sad on January 31, after a two-day walk from the capital, Belgrade. Fireworks and applause marked their entry into the town of Inđija, halfway through their journey. During the night, most camped outdoors, as the municipality did not let them inside of the sports stadium. A small red carpet was laid out on the bridge they crossed to enter Novi Sad. Smiles, shouts, trumpet sounds, and bells accompanied their arrival.
“I saw many young people and students being welcomed by the citizens. Beyond that, I saw love, pride, and hope on people’s faces. It is an image I will never forget,” says R. The procession then moved toward the station to honor the victims of November 1 by laying wreaths bearing their names.
This marks the peak of the uprisings that have shaken Serbia since the station incident. “That day, I felt angry, scared, and disappointed. I think we have all felt that way, every day, for the past three months,” recalls R.
Some students have been arrested or attacked during protests, while others have been run over while marching peacefully. Despite this, demonstrations have continued—including a general strike and a 24-hour occupation of a major highway intersection in Belgrade. Universities have been shut down for two months by student movements, followed by school closures.
Future perspectives
The growing tension led to the resignations of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević and the Mayor of Novi Sad on January 28. On January 31, President Aleksandar Vučić stated that “it is clear that the country is under attack both from outside and within,” adding, “We will know how to fight back; we will be flexible, we will seek dialogue and confrontation (with the protesters), but we will know how to save the country.”
Students insist they will not stop until their demands are fulfilled: prosecution of those responsible for attacks on demonstrators, the release of activists and students arrested for protesting, full transparency and publication of documents identifying those responsible for the Novi Sad tragedy, a 20% increase in state funding for public universities.
Vučić claims these requests have been met, but students dispute his words, arguing that those responsible for the station collapse have yet to be identified and held accountable.
Read the Italian version of the article about Novi Sad bridges’ block here.