At a Glance
- 500 stands set up across Serbia to collect signatures for an early parliamentary election.
- Students aim to pressure President Aleksandar Vucic and test public support.
- The drive follows a year-long protest wave sparked by a train station collapse that killed 16 people.
Why it matters: The campaign could intensify pressure on Vucic’s government and shape Serbia’s political future.
On Sunday, Serbian university students mobilized in dozens of cities, towns and villages, setting up nearly 500 stands to gather signatures demanding an early parliamentary election. The action, part of a broader movement against President Vucic, seeks to amplify public pressure on the autocratic leader.
Nationwide Signature Drive
Students braved freezing weather to set up nearly 500 stands in dozens of locations across the Balkan country. Residents were invited to sign the informal demand, which is not a formal petition but a symbolic test of support.
- Nearly 500 stands across Serbia
- Students from universities
- Signatures collected for early election
Background of Protests
The protest movement began in November 2024 after a train station collapse in Novi Sad killed 16 people. The incident was blamed on alleged corruption and neglect of safety regulations, yet no one has been held accountable.
- Train station collapse: 16 dead
- Blamed on corruption and safety rule violations
- No responsible party identified
Government Response
President Vucic has refused to schedule an immediate early vote but suggested a possibility next year. He has promised EU accession while maintaining ties with Russia and China, and has accused protesters of orchestrating a color revolution from the West.
- Vucic suggests early vote could be next year
- Promises EU accession
- Accuses protesters of a color revolution
| Event | Date | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Train station collapse | Nov 2024 | 16 deaths |
| Student signature drive | Sun 2025 | 500 stands |
| Vucic’s resignation | Jan 2025 | Prime minister |
Key Takeaways
- Students are mobilizing nationwide to pressure President Vucic.
- The movement stems from a fatal train station collapse and ongoing discontent.
- Vucic has denied calls for an early election and accused protesters of foreign influence.
The students’ nationwide effort underscores growing discontent and could force a pivotal shift in Serbia’s political landscape.
Igor Dojnov stated:
> “We have stands that serve to connect with the citizens,”
Milca Cankovic Kadijevic said:
> “I have a desire to live decently – me, my children and my grandchildren.”
