Students protest in Belgrade, demand early elections, citing fear of change

Students at the University of Belgrade have launched a powerful protest, dubbed "(Don't) be afraid, we are still here," demanding the government call early parliamentary elections. This movement, originating from the Computer Science faculty, highlights a growing dissatisfaction with the current political landscape, fueled by recent local election results that they believe signal an inevitable shift in power.

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We are still here

The students are not just voicing general discontent; they are linking their demands to specific issues, including six unfulfilled student requests made after a tragic canopy collapse in Novi Sad in November 2024, which claimed 16 lives. Their slogan, "Students are winning," is a direct challenge to the authorities, who they accuse of avoiding elections out of fear. This sentiment resonates deeply within the student community and among citizens who have joined their cause.

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They dare not call elections because they are afraid

The protest march, which began at the Faculty of Law and proceeded towards the Rectorate and the President's General Secretariat, has been largely peaceful, with traffic police facilitating their movement. However, the demonstration was not without its tensions. Supporters of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party met the students with jeers and patriotic songs broadcast from loudspeakers, creating a stark contrast between the protesters' calls for change and the government's supporters' display of nationalistic fervor.

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Students are winning only with their support

This student-led action is a significant moment, demonstrating a desire for change that extends beyond university walls. The students emphasize that their fight is amplified by citizen support, urging everyone to sign their banner and join the upcoming major protest on Slavija Square. The heavy police presence around government buildings suggests the authorities are taking the protest seriously, even as they attempt to counter the narrative with their own displays of loyalty and national pride. The students' determination, coupled with public backing, signals a growing challenge to the status quo in Serbia.

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Students are winning