In a significant display of public dissent, tens of thousands of protesters amassed in Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on Sunday, urging the resignation of President Aleksandar Vučić and the leading Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). The protest, spearheaded by university students and farmer unions, convened in Belgrade’s Slavija Square. This large-scale gathering represents growing discontent over last month’s railway station roof collapse in Novi Sad, which tragically claimed fifteen lives and amplified concerns regarding governmental accountability and corruption.
The recent catastrophe has sparked harsh criticism of the current administration, with allegations that the accident was the result of poor construction practices exacerbated by pervasive government corruption and favoritism. Although these claims have been denied by the ruling coalition, the incident has led to the arrest of thirteen individuals, including a government minister, according to legal reports.
Despite the protests, President Vučić has categorically rejected calls to form an interim government, attributing the demonstrations to opposition factions trying to seize power without elections. In his response, Vučić accused opposition leaders of manipulating student protesters for political gain. He remained resolute in his stance against yielding to their demands, as reported by local media.
The protests are the latest in a series of anti-government actions within Serbia over the past two years. Prior instances include public opposition to environmental concerns regarding Rio Tinto’s lithium mining project earlier in the year, and the opposition’s rejection of the December 2023 election outcomes, amid claims of widespread electoral fraud. Such actions were further scrutinized when the European Parliament declared the elections not free and fair due to observed irregularities, as outlined by a report from the European Parliament.
As the protest movement continues to gain momentum, the president of the National Movement of Serbia (NPS), Miroslav Aleksić, has emphasized the importance of sustained public action, advocating for a general strike as a necessary catalyst for substantive change in the country. This call to action reflects the rising sentiment among protesters that their efforts represent merely the beginning of an ongoing campaign for political accountability and reform in Serbia.