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.

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