From the streets of Belgrade, Serbia, to Skopje in North Macedonia, the slogan “corruption kills” resonates throughout the Balkans, embraced by students outraged over the deaths of many individuals in incidents linked to corrupt systems. This sentiment is captured in an article by Agence France-Presse titled “Youth Rises in the Balkans.”

As reported, the initial protests in Serbia erupted in November following the tragic collapse of a canopy at a newly renovated train station in Novi Sad, resulting in 16 fatalities.

Many began to associate corruption with this tragedy, pointing to the high costs and opaque contracts surrounding the newly renovated train station, as noted by Agence France-Presse.

The agency highlights the emergence of a red hand symbol across Serbia, appearing on banners, pins, and walls, which has become emblematic of the ongoing protests—the largest seen since the 1990s—soon led by students.

In March, the red hand also made its appearance in North Macedonia following a devastating fire at a disco in Kočani that claimed 59 lives. The report indicates that the disco was operating with an illegally issued permit, and the use of pyrotechnics without authorization ignited the ceiling in a packed venue that far exceeded its capacity.

Thousands took to the streets in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, holding signs proclaiming “corruption kills” while chants of “murderers” rang out, as demonstrators called for a complete overhaul of the system.

According to Sofija Todorović, director of the Serbian branch of the Youth Initiative for Human Rights, the youth’s leadership in these protests is commendable at a time when this generation is often perceived as “passive, engrossed in the Internet and their phones.”

“Young people display significantly better judgment and insight than past generations. They genuinely feel empowered to make their voices heard, which is essential for the future of the region,” Todorović stated, as reported by France Presse.

The article also features Aleksandar Popov, president of the Center for Regionalism, who remarks that Serbian students inspire others in the region who are frustrated with the corruption that has proven to be deadly.

Agence France-Presse notes that Serbia ranks 105th out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s corruption perception index, while North Macedonia holds the 88th position.

Montenegro, having experienced protests earlier in 2025 after a man fatally shot 13 people on January 1, is positioned 65th on the corruption perception index, the agency reports.

Numerous demonstrations have taken place in Montenegro advocating for the resignation of high-ranking security officials, police reform, confiscation of illegal weapons, and enhanced mental health services.

Each protest in both Serbia and North Macedonia featured moments of silence to honor the victims, according to the French agency.

In Bulgaria, protesters held a moment of silence last week during an anti-corruption event targeting MP Delyan Peevski, who is under sanctions from the US and UK.

Bulgarian lawyer Velislav Velichkov, one of the organizers, recalled the tragic chaos at the Indigo disco in 2001, as well as various traffic mishaps and construction site accidents.

Greece has faced criticism over its response to the investigation of a train accident in February 2023 that resulted in 57 deaths, many of whom were young. As reported, numerous people demonstrated on the second anniversary of this disaster, which remains a profound collective trauma.

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