IUSY strongly condemns the Serbian government’s continued erosion of democracy, its disregard for transparency and its suppression of legitimate protests. For months, young people, students, workers, and farmers have taken to the streets, demanding justice, accountability and an end to corruption. Their voices must not be ignored.
The tragic collapse of the Novi Sad railway station, which resulted in the loss of 15 lives, has laid bare the devastating consequences of government negligence and the reckless prioritization of foreign economic deals over public safety. The protesters' demands are clear: full transparency regarding the station’s construction, criminal accountability for those responsible, and an end to the culture of impunity that has plagued Serbian institutions for too long.
Rather than addressing these legitimate concerns, President Aleksandar Vu?i?’s regime has resorted to its usual tactics, such as media control, intimidation, and political scapegoating. But this time, the Serbian people refuse to back down. This protest movement represents the largest mobilization since the fall of Slobodan Miloševi?, proving that a new generation is ready to reclaim democracy from the grip of authoritarianism.
IUSY stands in full solidarity with the students and all those fighting for justice in Serbia. We call on the Serbian government to immediately halt any attempts to suppress the protesters and to meet their demands with action, not repression. We also urge the European Union to break its silence and stand firmly on the side of democracy, rather than propping up a regime that undermines the very values the EU claims to uphold.
Democracy cannot be traded for geopolitical convenience. Justice cannot be sacrificed for economic deals. The people of Serbia deserve better and IUSY continues to stand in solidarity with the people of Serbia.
