On Saturday, March 15, 2025, Serbia witnessed one of its largest protests to date as hundreds of thousands gathered across Belgrade, demanding accountability from President Aleksandar Vucic and his administration following the tragic collapse of the Novi Sad railway station's canopy last November. While government estimates suggested about 107,000 individuals attended, independent monitors reported figures as high as 325,000, making this demonstration perhaps the most significant political mobilization seen in the country.
The protests stem from the disastrous incident on November 1, 2024, which claimed the lives of 15 people and stirred collective outrage over allegations of governement corruption and negligence. The students initially propelled the movement forward, but their cries for justice have been echoed by teachers, farmers, and taxi drivers, showcasing widespread discontent with the current administration.
During the protest, President Vucic addressed the nation, acknowledging the crowd's message. "I understood the protesters' message," he stated, insisting, "we will have to change ourselves." He praised the police for their handling of the event, emphasizing the need for peace, even as clashes erupted between assembled crowds and counter-protesters supporting his government.
Set against this backdrop, the protest named the "15th for 15" brought together Belgraders from various walks of life, gathering at several appointed locations throughout the city, including the historically significant Republic Square. This was just one of the protest meeting points. Crowds overflowed, with many taking refuge on the plinth of Prince Mihajlo's statue, the iconic meeting place akin to London's Piccadilly. Each gathering point was reported to be equally packed, leading the Public Meeting Archive to estimate attendance at between 275,000 and 325,000.
Media reports indicated 22 arrests and 56 injuries on Saturday. The students have consistently insisted on full transparency from the government concerning the renovation of the Novi Sad train station, which was officially reopened only last year. They demand full publication of all documents related to the renovation, and seek the prosecution of individuals responsible for the disaster and its fallout.
Protest movements have been renewed following the indictment of at least 16 individuals, including former Minister of Transport Goran Vesic, on charges related to public safety and misuse of authority. Despite these indictments, protesters remain skeptical of governmental reform, emphasizing their disillusionment with only minimal political resignations not followed by significant accountability measures.
"We just want a country where institutions do their jobs properly," stated Jana Vasic, a law student and one of the many voices calling for institutional reform. She, along with thousands of others, expressed frustration at prolonged governmental negligence and perceived injustices: "We need the truth about what happened. We don't care which party is in power; we expect justice!"
For Vucic, who has been at the helm for over 12 years, the protests pose the most considerable challenge to his authority yet. His government's response bore marks of frustration as it has suggested without substantial evidence the movement is fueled by foreign influence. Vucic accused opposition parties of attempting to undermine the state under the guise of public protests, labeling them as members of rival 'criminal cartels.'
Commentators have noted the protests signal much more than mere discontent with the incident at Novi Sad. They represent broader grievances toward systemic flaws within the Serbian political fabric, as described by Strahinja Subotic, who stated, "This is not just about the collapse. It's about widespread dissatisfaction with governance, corruption, and inefficiency. Our demands echo the call for the rule of law and accountability of public officials."
This patriotic uproar also surfaced after Prime Minister Milos Vucevic resigned at the end of January, having become embroiled in the aftermath of the collapse and admitting he did not wish to escalate societal tensions. His resignation initially appeared to quell some unrest, but public frustration with the Vucic administration has only intensified.
Critics demand the restoration of lost trust, as numerous uprisings proceeded peacefully until sporadic clashes with pro-government supporters took place. Major protests even experienced direct violence, such as the case of a man who reportedly drove his vehicle toward student protesters during a memorial event. Vucic's remarks downplaying these acts have only fueled public outrage.
Students and various activist groups continue to assert their right to peaceful assembly and justice. They have collectively called for increased support for education and demands for legal reform to prevent future state negligence. Despite the backdrop of mounting tensions, they'll likely persist, aiming for accountability and reform until their voices are heard.
Saturday's events were not simply another protest; they marked the rise of unified demands for institutional reliability, justice, and the public's right to transparency. The challenge facing Vucic and his party may very well serve as a turning point for Serbia as it grapples with its governance and future.