Tens of thousands of people gathered on Sunday at Belgrade's Slavija Square for one of the largest protests Serbia has seen in recent years, voicing their grievances against President Aleksandar Vucic and his ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). This mass mobilization was primarily led by university students and farmer unions, marking it as part of broader discontent with Vucic’s government.
The demonstrators were ignited by the disastrous collapse of the canopy at a local railway station on November 1, which tragically resulted in the loss of 15 lives. Many blame this incident on widespread corruption and poor construction practices linked to the renovation projects overseen by Vucic’s administration. These projects involved Chinese state companies, raising questions about oversight and accountability.
The demonstration began solemnly with a 15-minute silence to honor the victims of the tragedy, followed by impassioned chants of, "You have blood on your hands!" This sentiment echoed through the crowd, which carried banners such as, "We are all under the canopy," indicating the protesters' sense of shared vulnerability under Vucic's rule.
The recent protests have been fueled by more than just the railway station incident; they also reflect long-standing frustrations with Vucic’s governance style, which many perceive as authoritarian. Accusations have surfaced of the government manipulating the electoral process, with claims of rigged votes during past elections. Vucic's populist leadership has come under scrutiny amid allegations of curbing democratic freedoms, raising concerns about Serbia’s aspirations for European Union membership.
Adding to the atmosphere of dissent, Vucic held the inauguration of a newly constructed highway section on the same day as the protest, which many viewed as brazenly dismissive of the citizens' plight. During this event, he declared, "We will beat them again," referring to the opposition forces and making it clear he would not yield to their demands for creating a transitional government.
The protests have not only attracted university students but also have garnered support from farmers, media personalities, and various eminent figures across the country. This movement highlights the unified front against perceived injustices and points to growing solidarity among diverse societal sectors. For example, farmer groups reported attempts by police to seize their tractors prior to the protests, illustrating the lengths to which the government might go to suppress dissent.
Students have staged sit-ins and camped inside university buildings to promote their cause. Over recent weeks, even high school students have joined their university counterparts, amplifying their collective voice against the government. The school holiday schedule had been adjusted to alleviate tensions and address the increasing wave of student protests.
While Vucic initially claimed the protests were funded by external sources, he later recognized some of the demonstrators' concerns, promising transparency on the documentation involved with the renovation work at the Novi Sad station, citing 'fulfillment of demands.' Nevertheless, skepticism surrounding the integrity of investigations remains prevalent.
Mistrust of the governing bodies grew when it was revealed prosecutors had arrested 13 individuals related to the Novi Sad disaster, including a government official, whose eventual release only fanned the flames of public disillusionment. With calls for accountability strong, the protestors hope to see justice served for both the victims of the canopy collapse and the systemic issues they believe led to such catastrophic failings.
The climate of unrest hints at increasing friction as Vucic's government struggles to maintain control amid widespread dissatisfaction. The coming weeks could prove pivotal, reflecting the resilience of the student-led protests and Serbian society's demand for accountability and transparency from their leadership. The future seems uncertain, and the fate of Vucic's government hangs precariously as public sentiment continues to shift against them.
