Mass protests have erupted across Serbia as citizens voice their growing frustration over government corruption and failures of accountability. On March 15, 2025, tens of thousands marched through the streets of Belgrade, culminating what has been described as one of the largest demonstrations ever recorded in the history of the Balkan nation. This surge of public anger was largely sparked by the tragic collapse of the roof of the Novi Sad railway station, which occurred on November 1, 2024, claiming the lives of 15 individuals.
The protests mark the continuation of unrest and dissatisfaction toward the administration led by President Aleksandar Vu3, who has governed Serbia for over twelve years. Demonstrations began as citizens demanded accountability for the accident, believing it to be rooted in governmental negligence and corruption. Many participants expressed this sentiment at the March 15 protest, rallying under the slogan "On the 15th for the 15," emphasizing the victims of the railway disaster.
Estimates of attendees at the demonstration varied widely, with the Serbian government claiming around 107,000 took part. Independent observers, on the other hand, suggested numbers as high as 325,000. From early morning, Belgrade was inundated with people arriving for the protest, many of them having traveled for days from various parts of the country — some walking distances of over 200 kilometers. Their arrival was met with cheers and applause from local residents.
At precisely 11:52 AM, the moment of the Novi Sad tragedy, tens of thousands paused for 15 minutes of silence, casting palpable stillness over the normally vibrant city.
The atmosphere at the protest remained largely peaceful, showcasing the determination and organization within the protest movement. A standout speaker, identified only as a student, addressed the crowd from Slavija Square stating, "Your voice counts. (...) Let us awaken Serbia together. The night is darkest before dawn." This spirit of optimism shone through as participants chanted slogans like "Pumpaj! Pumpaj!" — conveying their unwavering determination to sustain momentum against the current regime.
Despite the commitment to peaceful protests, reports revealed heated tensions between demonstrators and government forces. During the march, there were allegations by protesters, led by the "Srce" movement, which articulated concerns about the government's use of sound cannons against them. Zdravko Pono1, the movement's leader, condemned the actions asserting, "You used sound cannons against citizens; you shot at civilians, as they silently paid tribute to the victims of your regime."
Government authorities have since denied these accusations. President Vu3 held firm on his stance, applauding the police for maintaining order during the demonstrations and noting, "99 percent of students remained peaceful during the protest." Nevertheless, the claims stirred alarm within the protest community and civil rights advocates alike. Srdjan Cvijic, a security policy expert from Belgrade, speculated on potential government motives, raising questions about whether escalated tensions could lead to the declaration of states of emergency: "What everyone is asking is whether the government will try to provoke violent situations to later declare states of emergency."
While the protest gained significant attention, it also drew prior warnings from organizations such as the EU and UN, which urged the Serbian government to respect civil rights and allow people the freedom to express their discontent without fear of violent suppression.
The saga of protests, ignited by the November accident, has undoubtedly polarized Serbian society. The citizens are now facing not only the consequence of governmental corruption highlighted by the station collapse but also the ramifications of President Vu3's grip on power characterized by limited press freedom and accusations of manipulation within the justice system. The demonstrators, predominantly led by students, have clarified they are not calling for the resignation of politicians but rather for the enforcement of the rule of law and accountability for corrupt actors.
Whether these protests will lead to substantial change remains uncertain. Emerging from the grassroot movements are varied opinions on how to tackle the next steps toward curbing governmental corruption and ensuring democratic processes. Some advocate for the establishment of transitional governments solely to facilitate fair elections, whereas others foresee the continuation of grassroots mobilizations to manifest their vision of direct democracy.
Many activists believe the protest movement needs to consolidate its messages and diversify its leadership if it wishes to counteract the sophisticated mechanisms employed by Vu3’s regime which, they argue, views dissent with hostility and might seek to employ bias through media channels. They stress the importance of identifying credible opposition figures to collaborate with, aiming to initiate electoral changes before the potential energy behind their protests wanes.
On the international stage, analysts argue the EU must reassess its relationship with Vu3's regime, advocating for more proactive involvement. Should the current administration ignore its citizens’ demands for democracy and accountability, increasing scrutiny and potential sanctions may be warranted.
With the movement still alive and gaining traction, the question of Serbia's political future hangs delicately as citizens stand united, seeking historical change against the backdrop of longstanding dissatisfaction.
