Mass protests surged through the streets of Belgrade on Sunday, marking one of the largest demonstrations against Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in recent history. Thousands of students and farmers joined together to voice their outrage following the tragic collapse of the Novi Sad train station roof on November 1, which resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals. These protests, now entering their seventh week, represent not just the anger over this incident but also reflect broader grievances against Vučić’s administration, accused of corruption and negligence.
With estimates of up to 30,000 participants, as reported by the Serbian Interior Ministry, the protest began with 15 minutes of silence to honor the victims. This was quickly followed by chants of "You have blood on your hands!" as the crowd expressed their demands for accountability from the government. The protesters are holding the administration responsible for what they perceive as systemic corruption leading to poor construction standards, particularly with the train station renovations carried out by state-linked Chinese companies.
The sentiment on the streets of Belgrade was palpable; demonstrators used drums, whistles, and horns to amplify their anti-government messages. Actors and prominent public figures joined the protest, with actor Bane Trifunović declaring the gathering to be “a celebration of freedom.” The demonstration took place at Slavija Square, effectively paralyzing traffic across the city.
At the heart of the protests lay urgent political demands, particularly calls for the formation of a transitional government to oversee fresh elections. Activist leaders have insisted on the necessity for radical political change to restore faith in Serbia’s democracy after years of ruling populist parties accused of manipulating electoral outcomes.
Reflecting on the wave of protests, President Vučić acknowledged the size of the gatherings through social media, stating, "A lot of people came out today." Yet, he has also remained steadfast, claiming he will not concede to the opposition's demands for new governance. "They (the opposition) don’t know what to do except use someone’s children," he said, indicating his suspicion of the protest motives.
These protests were sparked by the devastating collapse of the Novi Sad train station roof, which occurred only months after the facility's renovation was proclaimed to meet high European standards. The event has raised serious questions about the integrity and oversight of such projects, especially since the renovations were conducted amid rampant allegations of corruption.
Authorities have made some arrests connected to the disaster, including former minister Goran Vesić, but such steps have done little to quell the public's distrust. The arrested individuals have, according to the public, become symbols of the government’s inability to safeguard its citizens.
The protests have arisen at a time when discontent with Vučić's regime has been growing—not only over this incident but more broadly over alleged infringements on democracy. Many demonstrators have begun to associate the Novi Sad tragedy with the oppressive climate of the Vučić administration, one characterized by dubious dealings and the erosion of civil rights.
Students have played a leading role throughout the protests, demonstrating unity as they occupied university buildings for weeks. They have received widespread support from professors, media members, and other civic groups, showcasing the protests as a national movement transcending socioeconomic boundaries. The summer holiday for schools was even pushed forward by the government, supposedly to minimize the impact of student protests.
The student leaders have reiterated their demands but claim the government has only partially responded, pledging to release documents concerning the accusations of negligence surrounding the Novi Sad train station renovations.
Protesters are calling not only for the resignation of the current administration but also for sweeping reforms to empower citizens and re-establish trust within governmental institutions. With each demonstration, they seek to challenge the narrative perpetuated by Vučić's government and highlight the extensive support for serious political change.
The images from the street remain etched in the minds of observers: masses waving banners, chanting slogans, and demanding justice. These actions have sparked dialogues not only locally but also attracted international media attention, portraying Serbia's current political climate and the struggles of its citizens.
While the immediate future remains uncertain, the persistence of these protests signals the public's unwavering commitment to fighting against corruption and demanding accountability. Demonstrators are likely to continue their activities until their calls for governmental reform are not only heard but actionable.
