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  • Charles Kupchan
    Charles Kupchan “Whoever forms the next government in Kosovo must ensure that relations with Washington remain strong and intact. Kosovo cannot afford to be at odds with its allies. I would say, if you want a good relationship with the United States, make deals, get into the bazaar, be ready to negotiate. And I think that actions that are seen as causing difficulty will not go over well in Washington. Actions that are seen [as] advancing the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia will be greeted warmly in Washington.” 2 hours ago
  • Michael MacCambridge
    Michael MacCambridge “Historically, it's been a time to talk about unity and togetherness and just celebrate this magnificent holiday in our national civic religion. It's complicated to have Donald Trump celebrating football, especially because of his somewhat troubled relationship with the N.F.L. and its players.” 2 hours ago
  • Gareth Rhodes
    Gareth Rhodes “This is similar to sports betting or gambling. The retail customer putting in their funds is doing so at risk of losing most if not all of it with the hope of an outsize payoff.” 2 hours ago
  • Harrison Fields
    Harrison Fields “Every action taken by the Trump-Vance administration is fully legal and compliant with federal law. Any legal challenge against it is nothing more than an attempt to undermine the will of the American people.” 3 hours ago
  • Mike Davis
    Mike Davis “President Trump is not stealing other branches' powers. He is exercising his Article II powers under the Constitution. And judges who say he can't? They're legally wrong. The Supreme Court is going to side with Trump.” 3 hours ago
  • Judith Resnik
    Judith Resnik “The administration seems to have wanted challenges that consume a ton of resources - of opponents, courts and public attention - even as members of the administration know the provisions do not square with the law that exists.” 3 hours ago
  • Dan Rayfield
    Dan Rayfield “No president should be able to rewrite 120-plus years of interpretation of the Constitution with a stroke of a pen. That is the existential threat.” 3 hours ago
  • Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi
    Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi “These dangerous and irresponsible statements confirm the approach of the Israeli occupation forces in their disrespect for international and UN laws and treaties and the sovereignty of states.” 3 hours ago
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What Do the Protesters in Serbia Want? An Insight into the Political Unrest

Belgrade protests began after the deadly canopy collapse at Novi Sad railway station on November 1, 2024. Students demanded justice, blaming corruption and poor construction for the tragedy.

In the wake of recent protests in Serbia, demonstrators have made four key demands in response to ongoing issues surrounding government transparency and higher education funding. The primary calls include the release of documents related to the controversial reconstruction of the railway station in  Novi Sad, which has raised concerns of corruption. Protesters are also demanding the dismissal and prosecution of those responsible for assaults on students and professors, as well as the cessation of charges against students arrested during the initial protests. Additionally, a 20 percent increase in government funding for state-run universities, which was already approved for the 2025 budget, remains a central point of contention.

Portests in Belgrade - Serbia
Stefan Miljuš, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Why Did the Protests Erupt in Belgrade? The Tragic Collapse at Novi Sad Railway Station

The protests in Belgrade were triggered by the collapse of a massive  canopy at the Novi Sad railway station on November 1, 2024, which killed 15 people and injured two others. The tragic event raised significant concerns about the safety and oversight of public infrastructure in Serbia, especially given the history of renovation projects involving Chinese state companies. Many Serbs believe the collapse was caused by sloppy work and corruption during the station's renovation, which had been completed twice in recent years.

The incident sparked outrage, leading to widespread protests, with striking university students at the forefront. These students have been demanding accountability and justice, accusing the government of covering up the causes of the tragedy. In addition to the suspension of classes, the student movement expanded to include protests outside the chief prosecutor’s office, where over 1,000 students left letters demanding that the prosecutor,  Zagorka Dolovac, fight for justice without political interference or corruption. 

The protests gained momentum as more people joined, including professors, farmers, and actors, leading to a massive student-led demonstration in Belgrade on December 22nd. This rally also voiced broader discontent with the rule of populist President Aleksandar Vučić. Striking students faced pressure from the Serbian state security, and pro-government media published personal data of some protesters, raising concerns about state surveillance and involvement of the country's secret service, BIA.

In response to the public outrage, Serbian authorities arrested 13 individuals, including a government minister, in connection with the collapse. However, the release of the minister sparked public skepticism regarding the sincerity of the investigation. The students continued their protests, carrying banners with red handprints, symbolizing the accusation that the authorities had "blood on their hands" for the deaths caused by the tragedy.

Go Deeper

 Video - What's Behind The Student-Led Protests In Serbia? - Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

 Serbia’s Prime Minister Resigns as Mass Protests Rock Country - BalkanInsight

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