On March 15, 2025, Serbia was gripped by intense protests as hundreds of thousands gathered in Belgrade, demanding the resignation of President Aleksandar Vucic and his government. The unrest surged following the tragic collapse of a concrete canopy at the Novi Sad railway station, which claimed the lives of 15 individuals, including two children, last November. Demonstrators accuse the government of corruption and negligence related to the construction project, which was carried out by the Chinese company, China Railway International.
Initial protests began on November 1, 2024, after the deadly accident, and over the months they have escalated, attracting participation from diverse groups including students, farmers, and opposition supporters. On this significant day, thousands converged on Belgrade around noon, carrying Serbian flags and homemade signs bearing slogans like "Down with corruption" and "Vucic, leave!" Many protested with large banners featuring red handprints against white backdrops, symbolizing the blood of those lost.
Security was visibly heightened across the city. Authorities placed snipers on the rooftops of the parliament and the Constitutional Court and established barricades around key government buildings, as tensions mounted. By 12:30 PM, the scene intensified when 100 tractors, driven by farmers from the Vojvodina and Sumadija regions, joined the protest. They drew attention not only to their demands but also to the pressing issues facing the agricultural sector.
At around 1 PM, the protest column began to march toward the city center via the Brankov Bridge. Simultaneously, thousands of motorcyclists, including veterans from the 1990s wars, revved their engines loudly as they paraded from Knez Milos Street to the square outside the Skupstina (the Serbian parliament). Reports indicated the atmosphere echoed with drums, loud cheers, and chants such as "Kick it!" as they made their way through the city.
The situation took a violent turn around 1:40 PM when reports emerged of several altercations. Plainclothes officers arrested individuals allegedly involved in provocations. One notable incident involved the apprehension of five plainclothes officers who detained a young man accused of throwing bottles at the police cordon near the Skupstina.
Then, tragedy struck when, at around 2 PM, a driver lost control of his vehicle and drove directly toward the protesting crowd in the Zarkovo district, injuring three individuals. The driver, identified as a 50-year-old man, attempted to flee but was captured by the police after resisting arrest. All injured were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
With protests continuing to escalate, the marchers gathered near the Skupstina, where they were expected to hold their ground until 9 PM, as planned by the protest organizers. They emphasized their commitment to expressing their demands peacefully, portraying this demonstration as a pivotal moment not just for Serbia, but as perhaps the most significant protest since the fall of Milosevic’s regime.
Within this intense atmosphere, some attendees seized the opportunity to criticize the government’s handling of the recent collapse and demanded accountability. "We are here for the truth, not chaos," declared one of the leaders of the student movement through megaphone, solidifying their intention to maintain order.
The protests received national attention with increasing calls for political change. Initially focused on accountability for the Novi Sad accident, demonstrators’ demands expanded to encompass broader political actions, including calls for the resignation of Prime Minister Vucic, and the reshuffling of top government positions. These actions were mirroring heightened dissatisfaction: over the last months, citizens accused their leaders of failing to address systemic corruption and safety standards.
President Vucic, addressing the nation, noted the protests were unauthorized but reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining order. He asserted, "Each person who attacks the protesters will be arrested. Unfortunately, the protests have been exploited by the opposition to push for their agenda," implying his belief of external influence seeking to destabilize the nation.
The historical significance of March 15 reflects not only regional conflicts but also accumulates international concern about potential instability. The European Union, wary of unrest because of historical conflicts within the Balkans, has closely monitored the developments. Experts like Nikolai Topornin from the Center for European Information remarked on the potential consequences of the unrest, stating, "Any disturbances may reignite tensions on the Balkan Peninsula. Europe wishes to avoid renewed discord."
Meanwhile, the prosecutor's office investigated the initial tragedy at the Novi Sad station, filing charges against former construction minister Goran Vesic and 12 others for serious crimes against public safety and negligence. Notably, critiques remain from the Serbian opposition claiming the charges issued are insufficient as they neglect to examine the potential corruption underlying the construction oversight.
While the government calls for calm, the populace’s cries for justice intensify, as many see the demands for accountability as fundamentally intertwined with broader societal frustrations. The protest on March 15, 2025, was marked as not merely another demonstration, but perhaps the beginning of significant political evolution. With protesters citing corruption as the major catalyst, this moment remains pivotal not only for Serbia but serves as a reminder of the enduring fight against government accountability and transparency.