Serbia is currently embroiled in significant political unrest, sparked by the tragic collapse of the roof of the train station in Novi Sad, which left 15 dead and several injured. Over the last few days, hundreds of students have taken to the streets, particularly in Belgrade, to voice their outrage against the government led by President Aleksandar Vučić and his ruling Serbian Progressive Party. This series of protests focuses on demanding justice and accountability for the disaster.
The collapse on November 1 raised numerous questions, primarily about negligence and misconduct. Protesters have been calling for the publication of documents related to the station's reconstruction process and the prosecution of those deemed responsible for overseeing it. According to reports from The BBC and The Guardian, demonstrators marched from the state prosecutor's office to the Prosecutor General Zagorka Dolovac's office, carrying banners and leaflets demanding the authorities "fight for law and justice without any political or corruption abuses."
Students have not shied away from using powerful symbols during their marches; one prominent image was the depiction of a bloody hand as a stark representation of the authorities' alleged responsibility for the catastrophe. Many participants accused prosecutors of dragging their feet on the investigation, fueling anger among citizens and heightening calls for urgent action.
The events on November 3 witnessed activists gathering near government buildings, where they brandished banners reading "Blood on your hands" and "Corruption kills." Their chants echoed the sentiment of betrayal felt by the public, who demand arrests and accountability for the disaster, which has left the country mourning. Notably, protestors are also calling for the immediate resignation of President Vučić himself.
Simultaneously, violence has erupted within the political factions, adding another layer to Serbia’s turbulent political climate. On the same night the protests gathered momentum, Igor Simic, the vice-president of the Serbian List, was attacked at an event where he’d been invited as a guest. According to sources from Kosovo Press, Simic sustained head injuries during the incident, which occurred at the Hospital's Cardiology and Internal Medicine department gathering held at Rudare i Zveçani. The reasons for this attack remain unclear but are connected to allegations circulating within his political party concerning the misuse of campaign funds.
The attack led to the immediate disruption of the event. The Kosovo Police have indicated they are currently investigating the situation, with Deputy Director Veton Elshani stating, "We have information and we are verifying." Such incidents are indicative of wider political instability, illustrating the fractures within Serbian politics.
These overlapping events demonstrate the rising tension between the government and opposition groups, which are fueled by growing public outrage at perceived incompetence and corruption. The fatal roof collapse has become not just a tragedy but also the catalyst for broader demands for accountability and transparency from those at the top.
On the ground, citizens feel frustrated and betrayed as calls for justice resonate through the streets of Belgrade and beyond. It has effectively created two fronts of unrest: one against the government for accountability for the collapses and negligence, and another rooted within political parties themselves as allegations of financial mismanagement circulate.
Serbia stands at a crossroads. The government's response to both the tragic events and the ensuing protests will likely determine its political future. The public's call for justice, combined with the increasing tensions within political factions, signals difficult times ahead for Serbia's leadership.
Whether the government will heed these calls or continue on its current path remains to be seen. What is certain is the voices of the citizens are rising, demanding change, and justice for the lost lives following the tragic collapse.
