On Saturday, March 15, 2025, Belgrade was the epicenter of one of the largest protests in modern Serbian history, as between 100,000 and 325,000 people filled the streets to voice their dissent against President Aleksandar Vucic’s government. This rally was seen as the culmination of months of anti-corruption demonstrations driven primarily by university students.
The protests gained momentum following the tragic collapse of a concrete canopy at the Novi Sad railway station last November, which claimed 15 lives. Citizens blamed this disaster on rampant government corruption and negligence, demanding accountability from their leaders. The demonstrations initially began as student-led protests but quickly evolved to include diverse groups from across Serbian society, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction with the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
According to police estimates, the peak turnout for Saturday’s protest was around 107,000 demonstrators. Meanwhile, Arhiv javnih skupova, a non-governmental organization tracking demonstrations, reported numbers ranging from 275,000 to 325,000, indicating the potential magnitude of public discontent.
Despite the significant turnout, the government attempted to hinder the mobilization efforts by suspending public transport across Belgrade. Nevertheless, thousands of students and supporters walked to the capital, rallying communities along the way. "I came for my child, for my son, so his future can be brighter," one participant explained, reflecting the generational concerns driving many to the streets.
The crowd moved through key areas of Belgrade, with many holding signs and chanting slogans against the government. Eyes were fixed on maintaining peace, attended by the memory of the collapse's victims. A young speaker among the protesters stated, "We will no longer allow corruption to endanger anyone’s life, as happened in Novi Sad."
While the overwhelming atmosphere remained peaceful, there were reports of isolated skirmishes. Serbian media indicated 22 arrests and 56 injuries occurred amid the day’s events. Tensions heightened at times, particularly near the Serbian Parliament, where counterprotesters gathered, leading to some minor clashes.
The situation escalated during what was meant to be a poignant moment of silence for the victims, when unexpected loud noises triggered panic among the crowd. Witnesses described it as sounding like an aircraft landing, causing terrified protestors to scatter amid fears of potential violence. "We couldn’t run away from it — we didn’t know what to do. You don’t know if something will fall on your head or hit you from the side," recounted Dušan Simin, who was present with his wife during the incident.
A political analyst, Dusan Spasojevic, remarked, "This is the largest protest since Serbia transitioned to parliamentary democracy," but pointed out the absence of clear strategic direction among the protest leaders moving forward.
President Vucic, appearing to dismiss the significance of the protests, claimed they reflected external influences rather than genuine domestic discontent. "On the other hand, I hope others have clearly understood the message from the majority of Serbia: the citizens do not want ‘color revolutions’ but rather to change their government through elections," he added, emphasizing his administration's commitment to stability amid the unrest.
The protests, which have captured the hearts and minds of Serbian citizens, began as localized dissatisfaction but have since evolved to represent a united call for systemic change across the nation. "This is a rare moment where the whole of Serbia is united under one cause," one protester noted. A determination echoed by many, underlining the people's yearning for justice and accountability.
Reflecting on the day, students who have managed the logistics of this social movement decided to close the demonstration earlier than planned, wanting to protect the safety of their supporters. They could no longer guarantee crowd safety amid rising tensions. The students, who have been spearheading many of the protests for over three months now, are continuing their efforts to stir public conversation about the failures of the current administration.
Regardless of the immediate outcome, the spirit of civil engagement is clear. "Even if the country doesn't change after this, we’ll know we stood up together and made our voices heard," one young protester shared, hinting at the burgeoning political consciousness within the populace.
Looking forward, the next steps for the demonstration organizers remain uncertain as students and citizens alike search for strategies to continue their advocacy without retreating from the fight against corruption. Speculation swirls around the possibility of future protests, with the public feeling more energized than ever, particularly if governmental actions such as the use of sonic weapons against citizens are substantiated.
Today, as they honor the memory of the victims of the Novi Sad tragedy, these protestors are also fueling the flames of accountability, determined to reshape the future of Serbia and reclaim their narrative from the grip of corruption and impunity.