Students and farmer unions organized a massive rally against President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade’s central Slavija Square on Sunday. The event, one of the largest in recent years, reflected mounting dissatisfaction with Vucic’s government. The rally was triggered by the tragic collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad on November 1, which killed 15 people and injured many more.
The rally began with a 15-minute silence for the victims, followed by chants of “You have blood on your hands!” Smaller protests took place in Nis and Kragujevac. Many protesters blamed the tragedy on corruption and shoddy construction linked to mega projects involving Chinese state companies. Protesters demanded accountability from Vucic and his administration.
Widespread Support and Rising Tensions
The protests have garnered support from various sectors, including Serbia’s popular theatre and film actors. Actor Bane Trifunovic described the rally as “a festival of freedom.” University students have been at the forefront, suspending classes and camping inside faculty buildings for weeks. In recent days, high school students have joined the movement. Farmers also participated, though police reportedly seized a tractor driven into central Belgrade ahead of the protest.
Vucic, however, dismissed opposition demands for a transitional government and accused opponents of exploiting students to seize power. “We will beat them again,” Vucic stated confidently, adding, “They don’t know what to do but to use someone’s children.”
Prosecutors have arrested 13 individuals over the Novi Sad tragedy, including a government minister whose release has sparked skepticism about the investigation’s integrity. Meanwhile, occasional violence has erupted as pro-government groups attempted to disrupt the protests.
Broader Discontent with Vucic’s Leadership
The protests reflect broader dissatisfaction with Vucic’s governance. While Vucic has expressed a desire to bring Serbia into the European Union, critics accuse him of eroding democratic freedoms. Opposition parties have proposed a transitional government to prepare for free and fair elections, citing allegations of past election rigging by the ruling party.
In response to the escalating protests, Serbia’s government extended school winter holidays by starting them nearly a week earlier. Despite Vucic’s claims of meeting protesters’ demands, including publishing renovation documents related to the Novi Sad station, public trust remains low. Protesters continue to demand systemic reforms and accountability from those in power.