Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vučević has officially resigned amid growing protests across the country, highlighting the increasing discontent with the current government following the tragic collapse of the Novi Sad train station awning. This resignation, announced during an emergency press conference on January 28, 2025, marks a significant turning point for Serbia as it continues to grapple with issues of corruption, public safety, and accountability.
Vučević stated, "Now I can confidently say this is absolutely deliberate action, organized from abroad with the aim of a coup," reflecting his frustrations over what he termed as foreign interference during the current unrest. His resignation came just as demonstrators intensified their calls for justice, accountability, and transparency from the governmental figures involved in the reconstruction efforts leading up to the deadly incident.
The unrest began following the November 2024 disaster when the awning at the Novi Sad train station collapsed, leading to the loss of 15 lives, including children. The subsequent outrage and demands for accountability sparked organized protests, primarily led by students who have claimed the government has perpetuated systematic corruption. The student-led protests have received support from various opposition groups, university communities, and civil society.
Joining Vučević in resigning is Milan Đurić, the Mayor of Novi Sad, as citizens push for greater clarity and responsibility concerning government contracts and safety regulations related to the train station’s reconstruction, which was overseen by the Chinese consortium CRIC & CCCC.
The protests escalated dramatically, with tens of thousands taking to the streets, demonstrating against what many perceive as the government's negligence and failure to provide adequate safety measures. On January 24, teachers and health workers joined the protests with their own strike, adding to the momentum of calls for change.
On January 27, protestors blocked the Autokomanda, one of Belgrade's largest transport junctions, illustrating their determination to draw attention to their plight. Vučić, himself confronting the crisis at hand, noted the need for the government to engage with citizens and expressed willingness to connect with the demonstrators. He stated, "The current situation threatens our economic growth. We have to continue working; the country must function." Following public pressure, the president announced plans for reshuffling the cabinet and meeting some of the protesters' demands.
Despite government efforts to reach out, public sentiment remains skeptical. Pavle Grbović, leader of the liberal opposition party PSG, responded critically to the government’s approach, stating, "These resignations were overdue by at least three months," highlighting the lack of morality exhibited by Vučević's administration during the prolonged protests.
Incidents of violence have also marred the protests, including reports of attacks on demonstrators by individuals associated with the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SPS). Recently, groups wielding batons confronted student activists, which resulted in injuries and intensified public outcry against the government’s handling of the situation.
Politically, the situation remains precarious. With widespread support for protests—evident from recent surveys indicating over 61% of citizens advocating for the demonstrations—the future of Vučić’s administration hangs by a thread as protests continue unabated.
Political analysts are left questioning the next steps. Will new elections be called? Or will the ruling party simply appoint another prime minister hoping to quell the unrest? The government’s failure to adequately address the protests may have serious repercussions, as the protesters draw support from various sectors, including academia, culture, and local communities.
The vast demonstrations raise concerns about the political stability of Serbia as it confronts criticisms of corruption and maladministration. While Vučić has maintained his position for over ten years using media influence and political maneuvering, he faces mounting pressure not only from dissenters within Serbia but also from international scrutiny.
The protests themselves represent more than just dissatisfaction with governance; they symbolize broader aspirations for democratic integrity and accountability within the region. This unyielding demand for transparency will likely pose significant challenges for whoever assumes the political helm following this tumultuous period.
Moving forward, the outlook for Vučić and the ruling SPS seems increasingly uncertain. The president’s prior assertion of foreign manipulation behind the protests, though fueling his narrative of victimization, may only serve to galvanize public dissent. With voices demanding serious scrutiny and accountability growing louder, Serbia may be at the brink of newfound political discourse, prompting significant shifts both domestically and within its foreign relations.