Serbian Student and Worker Uprising: A Wave of Protest Against Decades of Capitalism

In a dramatic turn of events, Serbia has been gripped by a widespread student and worker uprising, marking a significant challenge to the country's capitalist policies and the government led by Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić.

The Spark of the Movement

The protests began in late January, driven by students from various universities across Serbia. The students are primarily protesting against the privatization of higher education, which has led to increased registration fees and heightened financial pressures. This issue has resonated deeply, not only among students but also among university teachers, primary, and secondary school teachers, who have joined the movement in large numbers.

Broadening Support and Actions

On January 24, the movement escalated into a near-general strike, with significant sectors of society joining the students. Workers from the cultural and health sectors, cinema workers, and even employees of the state-run public channel RTS participated in the strike. Theaters, bookstores, cafes, and restaurants also declared their support by closing their doors for the day. This widespread participation highlighted the broad discontent with the current economic and social policies.

Key Events and Solidarity

Students took a bold step on January 27 by blocking the "Autokomanda" road junction in Belgrade, one of the city's most critical intersections. The blockade, which continued overnight, was supported by workers who provided food and water, demonstrating strong solidarity between the student and worker communities.

Government Response and Repression

Despite the government's attempts to quell the protests through repression, the level of violence has remained relatively moderate. The government is aware that excessive repression could radicalize the movement further and hasten the downfall of Vučić's government. However, students have still faced threats from hooded men and repressive forces, including an attack on the Faculty of Drama in Belgrade during a commemoration event.

Teachers' Involvement and Government Tactics

On January 18, approximately 4,000 teachers joined the movement, leading to strikes in more than half of the country's schools. In an attempt to mitigate the teachers' mobilization, the government offered salary increases, which some unions accepted. This move, however, did not deter the broader student and worker movement.

Sectoral Support and Future Directions

While the majority of the working class has not yet actively participated in the movement, certain sectors such as energy workers and the union of the Zastava company in the arms sector have expressed strong solidarity with the students. The energy workers have demanded that the students' demands be met while also pushing for their own grievances.

The movement is striving to rebuild the historical alliance between students and workers, a development that could be profoundly progressive and pose a significant challenge to the government and employers. To achieve a broader impact, the movement is focusing on social demands such as wage increases, free university education for all, and the cancellation of ecocidal contracts, including the contentious lithium mine project in the Jadar Valley.

As the protests continue, the international community is watching closely, recognizing the potential for this movement to inspire similar actions across the region and beyond. The solidarity and self-organization displayed by the students and workers in Serbia offer a beacon of hope for those fighting against capitalist policies and seeking a more just society.