Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Thousands of students and other opponents of Serbia’s populist president are gathering in the northern city of Novi Sad for a giant memorial to the victims of the tragedy a year ago that killed 16 people.
Ahead of the memorial rally, momentum is growing in favor of the opposition’s demands for major changes in the Balkan country, after nearly a year of student-led anti-government protests that have deeply shaken the president. alexander vucic And his strong hold on power.
As thousands of protesters from across the country descended on Novi Sad, Vucic threatened mass arrests if mourners turned to violence, and said bluntly that his supporters were planning a “very big” rally in the city in late November.
He has also tried to downplay the expected size and importance of the memorial opposition rally.
When asked by a TV reporter to comment on the commemorations on Saturday, Vucic said: “What’s happening in Novi Sad? Are there any football matches being played?”
He said that “many people will be disappointed due to excessive expectations from the rally,” adding that “there will be no change in the government.”
Emotions are running high
Most of the student-led protests have so far been peaceful, with sporadic incidents caused by Vucic supporters. However, after a year of protests tensions are running high and emotions are running high.
Riot police have taken strict action against the protesters. Hundreds of Vucic’s opponents have been arrested for taking part in previous anti-government rallies, including at least two massive demonstrations in the capital. belgrade,
People They are expected to gather at several separate rallies in Novi Sad, a strategy believed to be designed to make it more difficult for police to intervene than holding a central rally in one location.
how it all started
The catalyst for the months-long protests was the fatal collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad on November 1, 2024, resulting in the deaths of 16 people. The incident has been widely attributed to government negligence, endemic corruption, and questionable deals made with Chinese construction companies participating in the station’s recent renovation.
Initially, the protests began as sporadic demonstrations demanding accountability for the Novi Sad tragedy. However, they rapidly evolved into a nationwide movement addressing broader issues such as demands for snap elections and major democratic reforms.
The movement has received wide support from various sections of Serbian society.
The President responded boldly
Vucic first tried to ease the pressure by sacrificing the prime minister, who resigned along with the rest of the government in January. While some officials were charged for the disaster in Novi Sad, no one has ever been prosecuted, convicted, or sentenced.
Vucic also described the protests as a ploy organized by the West to oust him from power. Vucic has sought and received support from the President of Russia Vladimir Putin China also cracked down on liberal rights groups domestically.
Organizers have a plan for the rally
Similar student-led rallies have already been held in Novi Sad, drawing thousands of people and lasting a day or more.
Thousands of people from across Serbia are expected to gather in Novi Sad by Saturday. Already, thousands of students are marching into the city from different directions.
Many marchers from Belgrade to Novi Sad had to sleep outdoors in cold weather in the town of Indžija because the local mayor, an official from Vucic’s party, had refused to let them into the sports hall. He also warned local residents not to provide them food and water.
Saturday’s gathering could easily turn into one of the largest rallies ever in the restive Balkan nation, which has a long history of anti-government protests.