In the wake of a tragic disaster at a railway station in Novi Sad, Serbia, thousands of protesters have gathered in the capital, Belgrade, demanding political accountability. The collapse of a train station roof led to 14 fatalities, including young children, raising accusations of governmental negligence and corruption. The devastation has prompted citizens to call for drastic political changes, including the resignation of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević and Novi Sad Mayor Milan Đurić. They are also demanding the release of hidden agreements related to the railway station and the immediate arrest of those deemed responsible for the catastrophe.
As protesters amassed at the intersection of Nemanjina and Kneza Miloš Streets, they voiced their dissatisfaction with the government’s response in Novi Sad. The protest represents a significant moment for political expression in Serbia, not least because it has been accompanied by an escalation of tensions in Novi Sad itself, where city hall was attacked, and police used tear gas in response to unrest.
Democratic Party Member of Parliament Srđan Milivojević aimed to hand in the demands at the Presidency, marking a symbolic gesture of intent to hold those in power accountable. However, the office was reportedly inaccessible, leading to plans to submit demands to the National Assembly instead. The gathering in Belgrade remained mostly peaceful, differing from the violent displays seen elsewhere in the country, where arrests have already been made.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić responded by calling on authorities to “severely punish” anyone found responsible for the tragedy. An investigation is currently underway, involving various stakeholders including the Traffic Institute and the state railway company. Notably, China Railway International and China Communications Construction Company, entrusted with recent renovations, are also under scrutiny. However, according to Borislav Novaković, a former mayor of Novi Sad, accountability has yet to be firmly established.
The incident underscores persistent issues with infrastructure management and political transparency in Serbia, coming at a time when the government was believed to have allocated €16 million for renovations at the railway station during 2021 and 2022. The event acts as a catalyst, forcing a renewed focus on government policies and priorities as citizens push for substantial reform.
For more details on the ongoing situation in Serbia, the original article can be found on JURIST.