Tens of thousands of people gathered on December 22, 2024, at Slavija Square, the heart of Belgrade, for what became one of the largest anti-government protests Serbia has seen in recent years. The demonstrators rallied against President Aleksandar Vucic and his ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), holding them responsible for the tragic collapse of the canopy at the railway station in Novi Sad on November 1, which resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals.
The protest, spurred by weeks of frustration over the government’s accountability and corruption, drew significant crowds including students, farmers, artists, and citizens from various walks of life. A banner waved prominently above the crowd: "We are all under the canopy," reflecting the deep-seated anger and grief among the protesters.
Initially, the event was marked by solemnity as the protesters held 15 minutes of silence to honor the victims. Following this, the atmosphere changed as demonstrators erupted with chants of "You have blood on your hands!" signaling their dissatisfaction with the ruling authorities. Many carried signs with poignant messages such as, "Your hands are bloody," emphasizing the perceived culpability of the government.
The protests were sparked not only by the accident itself – which many believe resulted from inadequate oversight and shoddy construction work linked to government corruption – but also by the entire political climate under Vucic’s administration. One protester, Aleksa, 30, an IT expert from Novi Sad, made clear the public’s frustration, stating, "We came here to say 'Stop' to everything...since 2012 [when Vucic's party took power]. We want to see an end to corruption and nepotism." The widespread sentiment echoed through the square, solidifying the event not just as a response to the tragedy but also as part of growing demands for political reform.
Protesters also highlighted the broader issues of corruption and negligence, carrying messages calling for legal accountability. "The state is children’s property," read one sign meant to provoke introspection among the leaders. The demonstrators’ messages reflect the pain of the victims’ families, many of whom feel ignored or belittled by the officials who stepped down only after public outrage.
Students have been central to this protest movement. Earlier protests emerged organically on university campuses where students began to occupy faculty buildings to express solidarity with the victims. University classes have been suspended for weeks, and students have camped out demanding transparency and thorough investigations. They insist on the release of all documents related to the renovation of the Novi Sad station, which some claim have been inadequately disclosed.
The reaction from the government has been mixed. While Vucic announced plans to publish all documentation related to the renovation project, many students and activists criticized the information as "incomplete," demanding full transparency. Vucic, for his part, accused the opposition of exploiting the students’ protests for political gain. "We will beat them again," he asserted, reinforcing the confrontational stance his administration has taken against dissenting voices.
Public sentiment on the ground reflects concern over the long-term democratic integrity of Serbia, with many commentators recognizing the protests as part of widespread frustration with Vucic’s leadership. This includes accusations of previous electoral fraud and the curtailing of press freedoms. On December 22, another rally occurred simultaneously in Niš. Across Serbia, farmers joined the students, solidifying the unity across different sectors of society fed up with the current governance.
Further complicity emerged with Vucic inaugurally opening sections of new highways during the protest, portraying confidence and dismissing the outcry. Yet, as he did, protesters chanted loudly, and the autocratic overtones of his leadership juxtaposed against the public outcry became painfully clear.
The protests have seen incidents of violence where pro-government hooligans attempted to disrupt the demonstrators. Nevertheless, the student movement remains resolute, with their actions signaling solidarity and fearlessness even as threats against them grow bolder. Daria Poljolka, 27, noted: "I am here because enough is enough. We all took to the streets...what is being done does not make sense".
With the situation still developing, the government is faced with widespread discontent. The protests may not just call for accountability for the tragic Novi Sad incident but may also reflect and precipitate broader calls for changes to the Serbian political system. Protesters unite with one common voice urging for justice, dignity, and reform from the administration they believe has failed them. The outcome of such movements could heavily influence the political future of Serbia.
