Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Belgrade on Saturday in one of the largest anti-government protests Serbia has seen in recent years. Organized by university students, the rally sought to hold President Aleksandar Vucic accountable for allegations of corruption, negligence, and the devastating roof collapse at a train station in Novi Sad in November 2024, which claimed 15 lives.
Police estimated the crowd at its peak to be around 107,000, though independent Serbian media suggested even higher numbers. Despite rainy weather, protesters filled the streets, waving flags and chanting slogans, demanding justice for the victims of the Novi Sad tragedy. The protest, named “15 for 15,” symbolized both the date of the rally and the number of lives lost in the incident.
The demonstration marked the culmination of months of activism, sparked by student-led protests that began in December following the disaster. Many blame the collapse on government corruption and weak safety regulations in the construction industry, viewing the tragedy as a symptom of deeper systemic issues. While the rally remained largely peaceful, sporadic clashes between protesters and police were reported.
Protesters called for the resignation of government officials and an end to corruption. “We came for justice. I hope that after this protest, things will change,” said Milica Stojanovic, a biology student at the University of Belgrade.
In response to the protests, Vucic repeatedly warned of potential unrest and the possibility of arrests, accusing Western intelligence services of orchestrating the demonstrations without providing evidence. Tensions escalated as groups of Vucic’s supporters, including members of paramilitary units, gathered near government buildings, adding to the charged atmosphere.
Despite these challenges, the protesters remained determined. “This is not the end, but the beginning of the end,” said Dejan Simic, a demonstrator. “This movement is for a more democratic Serbia, where corruption is no longer tolerated.”
Hundreds of police officers were deployed, and public transport in the city was suspended to prevent more people from joining the protest. Violence broke out in some areas, including an incident in the Zarkovo suburb where a car rammed into a group of demonstrators, injuring three. There were also reports of attacks on student activists in central Belgrade.
The majority of protesters, however, continued their march to the National Assembly, where they observed a moment of silence at exactly 11:52 a.m., the time of the Novi Sad collapse. Farmers, veterans, and other supporters joined the rally, highlighting the widespread frustration across Serbian society.
As the protest unfolded, Vucic remained defiant, rejecting calls for a transitional government or early elections. “I am not going to be pressured,” he stated in a televised address. “I will not let the streets set the rules in this country.” He also warned of a “final” confrontation, suggesting that Saturday’s rally could be a turning point in the ongoing conflict between the government and its critics.
While Saturday’s protest was significant, it is expected to be just one chapter in a broader struggle for accountability and reform in Serbia. As demonstrations continue, the future of Vucic’s presidency and the government remains uncertain, with citizens demanding an end to corruption and a more transparent, democratic system.
