- Over 300,000 Serbians protested in Belgrade, demanding accountability for the Novi Sad train station tragedy.
- Students have been leading nationwide demonstrations for months, calling for an end to corruption.
- The government acknowledges the protests but has yet to meet the demonstrators’ demands.
The collapse of a newly renovated awning at Novi Sad’s train station on November 1, 2024, killing 15 people, has ignited the largest anti-government protests in Serbia in decades.
Saturday’s demonstration in Belgrade, called “15 for 15,” saw a massive turnout, with estimates ranging from 107,000 to over 300,000. Despite police warnings and minor incidents, the protest remained largely peaceful, reflecting a growing demand for systemic change.
Belgrade’s Streets Fill with Rage and Hope as Serbia Protests for Change
The protests in Serbia, sparked by the Novi Sad tragedy, have evolved into a powerful nationwide movement against corruption and government negligence. Students have been at the forefront, refusing to accept official responses they deem inadequate. The resignation of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević in January did little to quell public anger, as many believe justice has yet to be served.
The government’s attempts to release some reconstruction documents have failed to satisfy demonstrators, who continue demanding full transparency. The protest’s scale, reminiscent of the 1990s demonstrations that led to Slobodan Milosevic’s downfall, suggests a growing call for systemic reform.
Saturday’s rally was marked by emotional speeches, a moment of silence for the victims, and solidarity from all sectors of society. Students arriving from across the country were welcomed as heroes, a testament to the movement’s strength. The use of force or intimidation against protesters could further escalate tensions rather than suppress dissent.
With protests showing no signs of fading, Serbia’s leadership faces mounting pressure. If demands remain unmet, ongoing faculty blockades and mass gatherings could disrupt the country’s political and academic landscape, pushing for greater accountability and reform.
The Serbian protests, led by students but embraced by the nation, highlight a crucial turning point in the fight against corruption. As the movement persists, the government must choose between genuine reform or continued resistance to public demands.
“Our fight is the fight of all of us, not the fight of individuals because this concerns all of us.” – Student speaker at the protest.
