Massive protests erupted across Serbia on March 15, 2025, demanding the resignation of President Aleksandar Vucic, marking one of the most significant challenges to his government since he assumed office.
According to the Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs, official estimates indicated at least 107,000 participants, but observers from the Arquiv Narodnih Sobranii reported numbers possibly as high as 325,000. This swell of demonstrators included not just students but also doctors, teachers, veterans, and farmers who made their way to Belgrade on tractors. They rallied against what they perceive as government corruption and negligence following the tragic November 2024 train derailment incident in Novi Sad, which claimed the lives of 15 individuals ranging from six to 74 years old. This tragedy was attributed to said corruption and mismanagement during the station's construction.
On the evening preceding the protests, Vucic addressed the nation, reaffirming his stance against the mass demonstrations, labeling them illegal and claiming they were orchestrated from abroad. Despite the critiques against his administration, Vucic stated he was ready to face elections within the next three to four months if the opposition demanded it, expressing confidence this would lead to his victory.
On March 15, public transportation was suspended 'in the interests of public safety', casting additional challenges to protestors attempting to reach the demonstration sites. Despite these actions, many trekked to the rally on foot or arrived the night before. Clashes between demonstrators and police occurred as tensions escalated.
Incidents marred the protest, including one where a vehicle drove through the crowd, injuring three individuals who were later hospitalized. Police responded by detaining the driver, who resisted arrest. Other reports noted clashes as activist groups attempted to confront pro-Vucic supporters, including farmers who presented their tractors as barriers. A total of 22 arrests were made throughout the event for crimes against state property and assaults against police officers.
Despite these violent occurrences, Vucic praised law enforcement, commending their effectiveness through fatigue and disorder as thousands filled the streets calling for accountability and reform.
The president categorically denied reports circulating on social media claiming police used sonic weapons against demonstrators. He asserted the weaponry depicted was actually anti-drone guns intended for crowd management. Meanwhile, radical elements among participants reportedly created disturbances by throwing explosives and attempting to incite violence.
Vucic expressed concern over the influence of external forces, stating, "This protest was well-planned from abroad," shedding doubt on the organic nature of public dissent. He framed these demonstrations within the concept of political maneuvering, characterizing them as part of attempts to instigate what he described as 'color revolutions' similar to those seen elsewhere.
At one point during the height of the protests, reports of detonations plagued all railway routes, which Vucic condemned as attempts to instigate fear and destabilize the country. Vucic remarked on the pivotal moment, acknowledging the protests as driven largely by societal frustrations and emphasizing the need for government reflection and potential reforms.
These demonstrations are being reported as the largest Serbia has witnessed since 1996, demonstrating deep-seated frustration among the populace. The president's administration is now faced with mounting pressure, coupled with widespread calls for transparency and accountability—particularly surrounding the tragic events of the Novi Sad train derailment.
After concluding his national address post-protests, Vucic reiterated: "We will not allow the street to decide the rules for this country," emphasizing his commitment to maintaining political stability amid public dissent. While the government acknowledges the need for change, it faces the difficult task of reconciling its authority with the rising chorus of public demands. The outcome of potential early elections remains uncertain, but the current civil unrest will undoubtedly shape the political climate moving forward.