Serbian Prime Minister Miloš Vučević announced his resignation on January 28, 2025, amid widespread protests demanding accountability from the government following the tragic collapse of the railway station canopy in Novi Sad, which resulted in the deaths of 15 people on November 1, 2024.
The protests, ignited by this disaster, gained momentum as citizens voiced their anger over what they perceive as government negligence and corruption. Specifically, students have been at the forefront, demanding political change and tangible action from the government.
Vučević, who rose to the prime ministership just two months prior, cited violent attacks on students from members of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) as a key factor behind his decision to resign. "The politics to which I belong must show the highest degree of responsibility... And that's why after this event last night, my irrevocable decision is to resign from the position of prime minister," he stated, emphasizing the need for accountability within the administration.
The attacks occurred on January 27 when several students were assaulted after attempting to demonstrate outside the SNS headquarters, highlighting the tensions between protestors and the government. One student remains hospitalized due to the violence, which sparked outrage and led to even larger turnouts at the protests.
University students have consistently organized protests over the past months, accusing the government of prioritizing politics over public safety and ignoring the systemic issues plaguing Serbian institutions. Following the news of Vučević’s resignation, President Aleksandar Vučić indicated plans for significant cabinet reshuffles, aiming to address public dissatisfaction. "My demand is for an urgent and massive reshuffle of the government," Vučić announced late Monday, reinforcing his commitment to meet the protestors' demands.
The demands put forth by the protestors are clear and focused: they call for full disclosure of documents related to the station’s renovation, indictments against those responsible for the disaster, the release of detained protesters, and a 20-percent increase in the budget for higher education. These protests have extended beyond mere calls for resignations, as many involved express the hope for substantial and meaningful reform within Serbian institutions.
Specific incidents have fueled this collective anger. On November 1, 2024, the concrete canopy installed at the Novi Sad station collapsed, leading to immediate investigations. To date, charges have been filed against former ministers responsible for overseeing the renovation, highlighting concerns over corruption and negligence. The students leading the protests insist this symbolizes broader issues of accountability within government.
"We would love to live in a country where every institution simply does its job independently, without corruption or external pressure," reflected university student Jana Lomic during one of the protests, articulately voicing the frustrations many feel toward systemic corruption.
Vučević’s resignation was seen by many as one of the protestors' initial demands fulfilled, but the call for real accountability remains unaddressed. The weekend following the announcement saw even larger numbers of citizens participating, with tactical blockades established at key intersections throughout Belgrade, emphasizing the urgent nature of their cause.
Despite these concessionary steps, it remains unclear whether the government's moves will be sufficient to quell the protests. Observers note the deep-rooted issues surrounding political accountability and corruption may require more than personnel changes to satisfy the demonstrators. The protests now reflect broader societal sentiments against what many view as ineffective governance.
Prime Minister Vučević’s resignation has triggered discussions about the future of the government and the possible shifts it might undergo. The Serbian Parliament has been scheduled to meet shortly for debates which could ignite even more tensions, depending on responses to the people's demands.
On January 27, nearly 24 hours of protests culminated with reports of skirmishes between students and members of the ruling party. These developments come at the backdrop of Serbia's political climate, where the ruling SNS party continues to maintain significant popularity amid the tempestuous nature of the demonstrations.
While Vučić's administration portrayed these protests as influenced by foreign entities aiming to disrupt the government, the reality on the ground suggests deep-seated frustration with current political affairs. Should the unrest fail to abate even with concessions, the situation could precipitate early elections, which could radically alter the Serbian political sphere.
Despite the resignation, the protests are expected to continue, fundamentally rooted in demands for systemic change and higher accountability from their leaders. The student movement remains determined, seeking to reshape the future of governance within Serbia. The outcome of this situation remains uncertain, and with parliamentary sessions on the horizon, both sides remain poised for the next phase of this political conflict.