Four Days of Banner Battles: Students and SNS Supporters Stand Firm in Kragujevac

A silent standoff between students and supporters of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) has entered its fourth day in Kragujevac. Both groups are maintaining continuous vigils, displaying banners on a pedestrian bridge and nearby sidewalk in Bulevar kraljice Marije.

The demonstration began Friday afternoon when students unfurled a banner on the pedestrian bridge. SNS supporters soon responded by setting up their own stands and banners nearby. The situation has evolved into a prolonged test of endurance, with neither side showing signs of backing down.

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The goal is stubbornness. I said, 'Look brother – we'll be at it, probably until the election silence.' I mean, it's terrible what's happening.

Citizens passing by have shown support, often honking their car horns in solidarity, primarily with the students. SNS Member of Parliament Miroslav Petrašinović visited his party's supporters but declined to comment. However, one SNS supporter, Branko Vukadinović, expressed frustration with the ongoing protest, suggesting a mutual withdrawal. "The goal is stubbornness," he said, recounting a student leader's refusal to end the protest. "I said, 'Look brother – we'll be at it, probably until the election silence.' I mean, it's terrible what's happening."

For the students, the prolonged demonstration is less about who lasts longer and more about gauging public support. "This is the best kind of public opinion test," said student Mihajlo Milovanović. "When we see how many people honk at us and give us support with such a simple gesture, it's a sign that we are doing an excellent job and are on the right path." He noted constant interaction from citizens, even in the early morning hours.

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This is the best kind of public opinion test. When we see how many people honk at us and give us support with such a simple gesture, it's a sign that we are doing an excellent job and are on the right path.

Some citizens have actively supported the students, bringing them breakfast and taking turns guarding the banners. "Of course, breakfast for the students, always for them," said one supporter, delivering burek. "I support them, of course." Another expressed hope for the younger generation: "I am bringing this to our young generation who, I hope, will improve this situation in the best possible way. Not by force, not by aggression, but with knowledge. I think that will win, and I am counting on it."

As both sides continue their vigil after 72 hours, the question remains: how long will this banner war last? Neither side is yielding, and neither appears willing to.

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I am bringing this to our young generation who, I hope, will improve this situation in the best possible way. Not by force, not by aggression, but with knowledge. I think that will win, and I am counting on it.