After communism ended, many buildings in the Balkans fell into disrepair. The Novi Sad train station, built in 1964, is a prime example. It began renovations in 2021 as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to modernize transportation links across Europe and Asia. This effort is intended to create a direct route from Budapest to Athens.
Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić has touted these investments, claiming they have shortened travel times significantly. However, there are concerns about corruption and lack of oversight in these projects. Many locals worry that these issues might have contributed to the collapse of the station during renovations.
Recently, protests have emerged in Novi Sad following the tragedy associated with the train station’s collapse. Initially organized by local residents, the protests have drawn attention from students in universities across Serbia. On November 22, students from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade gathered in solidarity.
As tensions rose, pro-government media began to criticize the protesters. In response, more people joined the movement. Reports indicate that some professors and students faced violence during these protests, allegedly from organized groups not tied to the protestors. This has led to a wave of student “occupations” at various universities, where classes have been suspended in support of the cause.
Students have unique advantages in this situation. With fewer obligations, they can protest more frequently than many working citizens. Those who can’t join the front lines still contribute, gathering supplies and providing support to their peers. This community effort is vital in keeping the momentum of the protests alive.
According to recent surveys, a significant portion of the Serbian population is expressing frustration over government transparency and accountability, especially regarding large infrastructure projects. The rising discontent is mirrored in social media, where hashtags related to the protests are trending, helping to amplify the voices of the demonstrators.
For more details on the Belt and Road Initiative and its implications, you can check this BBC article.
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Source linkAleksandar Vučić,Balkans,Railways,Serbia
