Serbia’s political scene has been rocked by the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, marking a significant response to the widespread protests ignited by the tragic collapse of a platform at Novi Sad's railway station.
On January 28, 2025, Vucevic announced his decision to step down during an emergency briefing, stating the move was intended to alleviate tensions and address the outcry from citizens demanding accountability and transparency following the catastrophic incident.
The protests began following the November 1, 2024 tragedy when the platform collapse claimed 15 lives and injured several others. This disaster has sparked civil unrest across Serbia, leading to thousands taking to the streets with banners urging for the resignation of not just Vucevic but President Alexander Vucic as well.
According to reports by TASS, Vucevic declared, “I have made the irreversible decision to resign,” after discussing the situation with President Vucic, who supported the decision. He emphasized the need for responsible leadership, remarking, “We must demonstrate the responsibility of those who were elected to be accountable.”
The protests have not remained static; they have gained momentum since they began two months ago. Students, along with opposition activists, have played pivotal roles, even blocking major transport intersections like the Autokomanda junction for 24 hours, bringing attention to their demands for justice and political reform.
Protesters have voiced their frustrations, chanting slogans like "Your hands are stained with blood!" as they march through the streets of Belgrade. These demonstrations reflect broader social discontent over the government's perceived negligence and corruption related to infrastructure projects. The collapse was seen as symptomatic of a failing system, raising questions about safety protocols and oversight.
Vucic, during a joint press conference with Vucevic and Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic, called for dialogue. He pledged to address some students' demands, including the potential release of arrested protesters. “Those who are guilty will be punished,” he stated, ensuring citizens of the government's commitment to accountability.
While Vucevic’s resignation could initiate governmental changes, it remains to be seen how this will impact public sentiment. Following the announcement, Milan Djuric, the Mayor of Novi Sad, also resigned, signaling significant turnover within the Serbian administration.
The protests started as calls for justice over the Novi Sad incident but have evolved, demanding not just accountability but systemic change. Vucevic has labeled the protests as “projected from abroad,” indicating he perceives external forces at play intended on destabilizing Serbia. Nevertheless, he has stressed the responsibility leaders have to respond to the needs and frustrations of the citizenry.
For the government, this resignation poses new challenges amid calls for radical reform. With Vucevic's exit, the Serbian government is expected to operate under technical mandates for the time being, as restructuring efforts lay on the horizon.
The tragic events leading up to the protests, including the immediate public outcry, the involvement of notable public figures and students, and the government's response, paint a complex picture of Serbia's current political climate. It is also clear the people of Serbia are demanding more than just resignation; they seek accountability and changes to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
Vucevic's resignation is just one chapter in what could be a prolonged phase of political instability as protests rally behind greater demands for reform and transparency across all levels of government. How the Vucic administration plans to navigate this turbulence will be closely watched both domestically and internationally, as citizens hope for substantial actions beyond words.