Students in Serbia call on churches for support!

Students in Serbia call on churches for support!

On March 14, 2025, Serbia's students made an urgent appeal to the country's religious communities. They are calling on them to support the protests of government opponents. In a letter quoted by Serbian media, the students ask the leadership of the Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant churches as well as the Muslim community to “stand with the people” and support the principles of truth and justice. This is particularly relevant as massive protests against President Aleksandar Vucic's government are expected again in Belgrade next weekend, as Kathpress reports.

The discontent against the government has been palpable for months, especially after the tragic train accident in Novi Sad in November in which 15 people died. Critics see corruption and sloppy construction work as the main cause of the disaster, which led to the catastrophe. Tensions in the country led to the announcement of the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic's government at the end of January. The tense political situation is mobilizing citizens and causing resistance to the current government to grow. The Thomas Tuchhack, as the protests are also called, is an expression of the striving for a democratic new beginning, as the Heinrich Böll Foundation states.

Mass protests at the weekend

The upcoming protests have the potential to permanently change Serbia's political landscape. Given the current challenges, students and the general population could unite to advocate for their demands. The churches' commitment to peace and justice could play a crucial role in supporting the protest movement and promoting a peaceful solution to the conflicts currently plaguing the country. The coming days will be crucial for developments in Serbia, and all eyes are on Belgrade, where thousands of citizens will once again take to the streets.