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Mass Rally Marks Novi Sad Collapse Anniversary as Student Movement Prepares for Elections

Protest leaders are organizing a ballot bid, with a vote promised next year but still without a date.

Overview

  • Tens of thousands gathered in Novi Sad to honor the 16 people killed, observing 16 minutes of silence at 11:52 and laying flowers and wreaths at the station.
  • Authorities halted BelgradeNovi Sad rail service on Friday citing a bomb threat, a justification previously invoked before large demonstrations.
  • A year after the station canopy collapse, no institution has accepted responsibility, though prosecutors have formally indicted 13 individuals.
  • The student-led movement expanded nationwide with symbolic actions and EU outreach, while authorities mixed concessions such as housing loans and pay raises with police detentions, tear gas, and baton charges.
  • Analysts describe a prolonged stalemate as the ruling SNS regains agenda-setting power, Vučić vows elections next year without a date, and students build an electoral infrastructure with a near-complete, confidential candidate list.