Tens of thousands of protesters converged on Serbia's capital, Belgrade, on Saturday, March 15, 2025, as part of what has been characterized as one of the largest anti-government demonstrations since the fall of Slobodan Milosevic in 2000. The protests were ignited by the collapse of the railway station canopy in Novi Sad last November, which resulted in the tragic loss of 15 lives. This rally marked the culmination of months-long outrage against President Aleksandar Vu4i7, who has faced accusations of corruption and negligence.
The heart of Belgrade was transformed as protesters, including farmers, bikers, students, and military veterans, clogged the downtown area. With the Interior Ministry estimating around 107,000 participants, various independent media reported even higher numbers, claiming this could be the largest protest the city has ever witnessed.
Reporting from the scene, DW correspondent Sanja Klajic noted, "There is already a large number of people, we have seen several processions by bikers and tractor drivers." Interestingly, just before the rally, protesters honored the victims of the Novi Sad tragedy with 15 minutes of silence, starting at 11:52 AM, marking the exact moment of the roof's collapse.
Despite the peaceful intentions of most demonstrators, tension permeated the atmosphere as some hardline groups allegedly organized to counter the protests. Supporters of Vu4i7, including ultranationalists and former paramilitary members, set up camp near the presidential palace, raising fears of potential clashes. Vuk Vuksanović from the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy warned, "The government may attempt to unlesh its most violent supporters against the protesters."
On Friday, just days before the protests, President Vu4i7 issued stern warnings of violence, stating, "I won’t allow the street to set the rules" and pledging to arrest anyone who incites disorder. His government attempted to secure loyalty from security forces by announcing pay hikes for Interior Ministry employees, but this move did little to quell the growing public outcry.
The protests demand accountability for the deaths resulting from the Novi Sad station disaster, with demonstrators accusing the government of obstructing access to relevant documents from the renovation. Initially, Serbian officials claimed no work had been done on the canopy, only to later admit it had been altered. This discrepancy fueled anger among the populace who believe rampant corruption lies at the root of the tragedy.
Students, spearheading the protest movement, have been vocal about the impact of corruption on their future. "Everything indicates this is the biggest rally in Belgrade's history," said the NGO Arhiv javnih skupova, which specializes in protest monitoring. They stressed the significance of Saturday’s gathering, dubbing it "15 for 15" to symbolize both the date and the number of lives lost.
Beyond just the tragic collapse, protesters voiced their anger at broader issues within Veljko Vu4i7's administration, including nepotism and mismanagement. Many participants now see the demonstration as not just about justice for the victims but also as part of a fight against the long-standing autocracy they believe the President embodies.
The situation escalated as protesters captured the attention of international observers with appeals made by the European Union and the United Nations, urging the Serbian government to respect citizens' right to protest. Reports highlighted the arrests of multiple individuals connected with the ruling party, indicating efforts to suppress dissent.
But as tension mounted, protesters remained focused. Milica Stojanovic, a student at the Faculty of Biology, expressed her hope for change, stating, "I came for justice. I hope this protest spurs the change we desperately need." With slogans and chants echoing through the crowds, many showed unity and determination on the streets.
During the protests, attention turned to the acoustic disturbance during the moment of silence, as some attendees reported hearing what sounded like incoming projectiles—an incident reminiscent of sonic weapons. Analysts speculated about the source, heightening concerns about government tactics to control protests. The police immediately denied employing any weaponry contrary to the protesters’ claims.
Vu4i7 has confidently declared, "We have a state, and we will show you the state," indicating his resolve to maintain order even as his grip on power weakens due to mounting dissent. By the day's end, the rally had left its mark, igniting not just conversations about the government's missteps, but also reflections on Serbia’s path forward under Vu4i7's leadership.
Serbia stands at a crossroads, with these demonstrations laying bare the growing desire among citizens for transparency and government accountability. Whether or not this protest will lead to substantive political change remains to be seen, but the cries for justice make one thing clear: the people of Serbia are no longer willing to silently accept the status quo.