On March 15, 2025, hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Belgrade for what has now become the largest protest in Serbia's history against President Aleksandar Vudi. Estimates suggest between 275,000 and 325,000 demonstrators took to the streets, demanding democracy and accountability from their government. This unprecedented turnout was spurred largely by the tragic collapse of the Novi Sad train station roof on November 1, 2024, which resulted in the deaths of 15 people and has since been emblematic of the deep-rooted corruption within the Serbian government.
Demonstrators flocked to the capital from all corners of the country, with many struggling to cross the Sava Bridge due to the overwhelming numbers. The descent of students onto the streets has been particularly noteworthy, marking the youth-driven movement as both passionate and resilient. Students blocked universities nationwide, staged daily protests, and walked hundreds of kilometers to rally apathetic citizens against the regime's tyranny.
Serbian actor and protest figure Sergej Trifunović characterized the demonstrations as "Fest, ein Fest der Menschen, die ein besseres Leben wollen," translating to "a festival for people who want abetter life," and noted it as part of an "Evolution" rather than mere revolution. His pointed reflections highlighted the pervasive corruption and mismanagement by Vudi’s administration.
Despite the overwhelming support from the populace, which recent polls indicate stands at 58% backing for the student protests contrasted with only 50% for Vudi, the president remains defiant. He addressed the nation from his residence, propagandizing the need for stability and attempting to discredit the protests as the result of foreign interference, warning of shadowy forces conspiring to destabilize Serbia.
The atmosphere of the protests was marked by vibrant slogans and chants, with demonstrators expressing their demand for accountability concerning the cause of the Novi Sad disaster and broader issues of governmental integrity. On the eve of the protest, participants were warmly welcomed with red carpets as they arrived, underscoring the importance of their message: "Pumpaj," their rallying cry symbolizing the pressure on authorities to address corruption.
Security concerns loomed large as rumors circulated about possible extreme responses from authorities. Policymakers denied access to parliamentarians on protest day, fearing potential occupations by protesters. Fortunately, the demonstration transpired largely peacefully until rumors of violence emerged. At one point, chaos erupted as the crowd experienced panic, triggered supposedly by the use of sonic weapons, which reportedly emitted at levels potentially damaging to hearing.
Eyewitness accounts indicated the crowd's serenity was shattered when sound bursts interrupted the peaceful memorial for the fallen victims of the Novi Sad disaster. Following this disruption, as many as 100 participants reported dizziness, tinnitus, and heart issues, raising immediate concerns for the use of sonic devices alleged to be employed by police—a claim the government hastily denied, maintaining it was against the law.
This incident, described as the deployment of Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRAD), has drawn parallels to past uses of these technologies for crowd control. The LRAD, effectively able to transmit distressing sound levels upwards of 160 dB, poses serious risks, including long-term auditory damage and psychological effects, drawing serious backlash from human rights advocates.
The academic and professional community has rallied behind the students; notable figures from sports, arts, and civic society have lent their voices to the clarion call for action against autocratic rule. From basketball legends such as Vlade Divac and Alexander Djordjević to global tennis champion Novak Djoković, the demonstration reflected widespread dissatisfaction across demographics.
Nonetheless, the centralized authority has not only deflected blame but has attempted to mitigate the impacts of dissent. Vudi's recent calls for dialogue seem increasingly hollow against the backdrop of his administration, reportedly overwhelmingly supported by state-funded media which stifles dissenting narratives and creates controlled narratives around events.
With local attention turning to upcoming governmental accountability and electoral matters, discussions of potential transitional governance or mediation have emerged as necessary steps on the path forward. The Serbian political parties deeply divided and under-pressure are unnerved by the growing momentum for change. Mixed messaging on whether elections are imminent or if newer parties will even participate underline the increasing complexity of these protests.
International responses from the EU and the U.S. will play pivotal roles—supporting the movement is as complex as it is necessary, with the West historically having been criticized for overlooking human rights violations for the sake of stability. The message has become urgent: Serbia’s youth are imploring their global counterparts not to forget them as they strive for what they believe to be democracy, stability, and transparent governance.
Serbia, poised at this psychological precipice, faces modern political evolution versus historical backlash driven by fear. Will the rabble of voices progress toward governance reflective of its true populace? Or will history repeat itself as cynicism fuels yet another generation's disenchantment? Only time will tell, as the tumultuous state of affairs continues to evolve.
