On March 15, 2025, the streets of Belgrade bore witness to one of the largest protests Serbia has seen, as at least 100,000 people descended upon the capital to voice their discontent with President Aleksandar Vučić and his administration. Estimates of the crowd size varied widely, with the Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs reporting 107,000 attendees, whereas independent media suggested numbers could be as high as 1,600,000, landing the most realistic assessment between 800,000 and 1,000,000 participants.
This mass rally marked the culmination of four and a half months of relentless protests following the tragic collapse of a concrete canopy at the train station in northern Serbia, which claimed the lives of 15 individuals. The outpouring of grief and anger over this disaster, alongside allegations of government corruption, negligence, and disregard for construction safety standards, catalyzed the nationwide anti-corruption movement.
Despite the tense atmosphere—exemplified by reports of police forces prepared to counter possible disturbances and claims of the presence of individuals associated with the government ready to provoke confrontations—the rally proceeded peacefully. Protesters, holding banners proclaiming “He’s Finished!” and chanting slogans like “Pump it Up,” displayed solidarity and determination as they marched.
Among the crowd, protester Dejan Simic captured the sentiment: “This is just the beginning of the end, a process which I hope will end soon.” The protesters rallied behind several demands aimed at ensuring accountability and reform. Among these were calls for the release of documentation concerning the controversial reconstruction of the Railway Station, confirmation of the identities of those suspected of attacking students, and dismissal of charges against arrested students. They also requested a significant 20% increase to the budget for higher education.
The absence of opposition parties during the protests played a significant role, leading to the formation of a diverse coalition around the students calling for change. Students from various ideological backgrounds united, practicing self-management and framing their demands collectively. This unity reflects the broader dissatisfaction with Vučić’s government, which many accuse of fostering division through propaganda.
While the protest remained uneventful, allegations surfaced about the use of military-grade sonic weapons to intimidate and disperse peaceful demonstrators during the rally. Opposition officials and human rights groups claimed the device was used on March 15 amid moments of silence for the victims of the train station collapse. Footage from the rally showed demonstrators reacting to sudden whooshing noises, resulting in panic and disarray within the crowd.
On March 16, 2025, Serbian officials firmly denied the claims of deploying sonic weapons against the protesters, characterizing them as unfounded. President Vučić went so far as to urge judicial authorities to investigate the allegations, questioning the integrity of those who reported these incidents. “Let there be a proceeding but then they should also prosecute those who went public with such a notorious lie,” he stated.
The government’s denial of using such devices ran contrary to reports from watchdog organizations, including the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, which condemned the deployment of any prohibited weapon against peaceful protesters as “a blatant display of force and an attempt to incite chaos.” This complex dynamic between the government and the populace reveals the severity of the current political climate, as citizens feel increasingly emboldened to voice their dissent.
Beyond the immediate events of the rally, many are grappling with the future of the movement and the legitimacy of Vučić’s regime. Some speculate whether the students will transition their efforts from protest to political engagement, potentially forming new parties or influencing upcoming elections. Others warn against complacency, asserting more action will be necessary if real change is to occur.
The chants of millions echoing through Belgrade signify more than mere protest; they represent mounting frustration with entrenched systems of corruption and mismanagement. What is next for Serbia? Opinions are divided. Meanwhile, the courage of the students has inspired hope—a future defined by accountability, transparency, and resistance against oppression.
With the demands clearly laid out and largely supported by the citizens, the future political engagements will be closely watched. Whether or not the government's responses will satisfy the population remains uncertain. Yet, as Vučić himself faces skepticism about his rule and narratives crafted to discredit dissent, the people of Serbia have sent forth one clear message from the masses: they will no longer be silenced.