Large parts of Serbian society are out on strike on January 24, as students, cultural institutions and workers across various sectors rally in solidarity with ongoing protests against the government. The strike, which includes schools, cultural organisations and businesses, is a form of civil disobedience aimed at pressuring the government following weeks of protests sparked by the deadly collapse of a concrete canopy at the Novi Sad railway station in November.

The students behind the call for the strike have urged all citizens to participate, emphasising that the action is not just a strike but a broader expression of civil disobedience. "General strike" in their terms refers to a suspension of all activities as a collective stand against the government. This appeal has been met with widespread support from diverse groups including educators, cultural workers, media organisations and entrepreneurs.

"On January 24, it will not be business as usual," said Dusan Kokot, president of the Independent Union of Educational Workers of Serbia, who declared a strike in schools earlier this month. "We are standing together with the students for justice and accountability."

The Republic Union of Culture and several cultural institutions, including theaters, libraries, cinemas and museums, have also closed in support of the protest. Prominent venues such as CineGrand and Tuckwood, along with art exhibitions like the Banksy exhibit, have suspended their programs. Even big publishing houses like Laguna have joined the movement, highlighting the growing cultural solidarity against the government.

The protests, which began after the tragic collapse at the Novi Sad railway station that left 15 dead and many more injured, have now expanded to a broader demand for political change. The demonstrations have criticised what protesters describe as systemic corruption, economic mismanagement and the suppression of dissent.

The government has prepared a counter-rally in Jagodina, where President Aleksandar Vucic will try to launch a new 'people's' movement. Critics say that the rally reeks of desperation and is reminiscent of the tactics used by the late Slobodan Milosevic before he was ousted from power in popular protests nicknamed the ‘Bulldozer Revolution’ in 2000.

"This is just another attempt to create a false narrative of popular support while ignoring the legitimate grievances of the Serbian people," said an opposition leader. "People will be bused in, and the rally will be carefully orchestrated by the ruling party."

The Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), which has dominated the political scene for over a decade, is facing the first sustained challenge to its political legitimacy. Despite the government’s attempts to placate protesters by heeding some of their demands, including releasing classified documents related to the station collapse in Novi Sad and prosecuting top officials, the movement shows no signs of abating. 

On social media, calls for the general strike quickly went viral, with citizens from all walks of life declaring their support for the action. Media outlets including N1, Danas and Sport Club have stopped regular reporting to participate in the strike. Bars, restaurants, hair salons and gyms shut their doors to express their discontent. "The government can try to suppress us, but we are united in this fight for a better Serbia," said a protestor in Belgrade. "We will not stop until our voices are heard."