For months, students across central Serbia have been in a state of protest, organizing demonstrations under the banner of „15 Minutes of Silence,“ hosting gatherings, and drawing unprecedented crowds to their cause. Their demands for change have garnered widespread public support, including solidarity from citizens in North Mitrovica. However, not everyone shares their enthusiasm.
In a recent vox pop conducted by KoSSev, opinions on the student movement varied widely. Some view them as a new generation teaching their elders about the fight for rights, while others see them as a threat to national stability. Many, however, were reluctant to speak on the matter publicly.
Diverging Views on the Student Movement
„They are right. They have the right to fight for their future,“ one North Mitrovica resident stated, expressing support for the students in blockade who have rallied under the slogan „Pumpaj.“
When asked about the contrast between the protesters and the so-called „Students 2.0,“ a group that camped in Pioneer Park and were labeled „ćaci,“ and referred by that name even by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, the resident sided with the former.
„Well, I’d say ‘Pumpaj’… Clearly, they seek change. Young people want a better life, and that’s fine by me.“
A senior citizen from Zvecan, who participated in a „15 Minutes of Silence“ event honoring the victims of the train station accident in Novi Sad, shared a similar sentiment.
„I support the students. They are our youth, our future. They are everything—beauty, goodness, intelligence. We must stand with them. This is the right fight. They are setting an example for us older generations. I support them 100 percent.“
A woman from North Mitrovica echoed the support but admitted she had never heard of the „Students 2.0“ movement.
Others, however, refused to take sides.
„We’re all in this together. Let’s talk once the guests leave,“ a younger Mitrovica resident said cryptically.
Selective Support and Political Controversy
Some citizens supported students in blockade but were cautious about endorsing the movement’s full scope.
„I stand for student rights and improving their conditions, but I don’t support political demands. That’s why we are involved in student protests but with a special focus on the banner that reads, ‘The Pogrom of Serbs from Kosovo and Metohija—A Reward for Crime.’ That’s the message we, as Serbs from Kosovo, want to send.“
On the other side, some citizens expressed opposition to the students in blockade and instead backed the „Students 2.0“ group.
„I support students in one thing only—that they attend school and continue their education,“ one respondent said, making it clear that his support extended only to those in Pioneer Park.
When asked about the demands of the students in blockade, he took a harsher stance: „I think they should all be jailed. They are destroying the state.“
When the reporter pointed out that the students were advocating for the rule of law and the functioning of institutions, he retorted, „What kind of jobs are they asking for? To attack journalists on the street? Is that the rule of law?“
Despite the movement’s clearly defined five demands, another interviewee dismissed them outright.
„What demands? I haven’t seen them anywhere. It’s a disgrace.“
A Tiring Topic for Some, A Catalyst for Change for Others
Not all citizens were willing to discuss the protests. Some outright refused, while others grew frustrated with the media coverage.
„You keep talking about students. I’ve had enough of it,“ one passerby said, walking away from the KoSSev team.
Yet for those who remain engaged, the student movement represents a shift in the political landscape.
„Time brings change. Nothing is eternal. Change is inevitable. I know this from my own experience. This isn’t my first revolution—it’s my fifth, maybe even more.“
Another supporter remained optimistic despite the challenges ahead. „Victory is ours, but it won’t be easy. But it will happen.“
North Mitrovica: 10th Silent Protest in Honor of Novi Sad Victims
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