Thousands of students from across Serbia gathered in Kragujevac on Thursday for a large-scale protest under the slogan “Sretnimo se na Sretenje” (“Let’s Meet on Sretenje”). The demonstration, coinciding with Serbia’s Statehood Day, saw students arriving by foot, bicycle, and marathon from various parts of the country.
Protesters blocked Lepenički Boulevard, a major road linking Kragujevac with surrounding areas, as the event kicked off at 9 a.m. and is scheduled to conclude at midnight with a tribute to victims of past violence. The protest, organizers say, aims to highlight student demands for political and social change.
The demonstration comes amid growing dissatisfaction with the government, with opposition figures and civil society groups viewing it as a sign of broader discontent.
Political analyst Bojan Čečen told local media the student movement has “restored hope for normal life in Serbia.” Others, including historian Nenad Đorđević, linked the gathering to Serbia’s historical struggle for democracy, referencing the adoption of the Sretenje Constitution in 1835.
Meanwhile, President Aleksandar Vučić marked Statehood Day in Sremska Mitrovica, underscoring a political divide, with analysts noting the contrast between the student-led protest and the government-backed celebration.
As the day unfolds, authorities are monitoring the situation, while participants remain determined to push their demands forward.
