Over 1.600.000 Serbians Protest Against Corruption

A Wave of Unrest Sweeps Serbia

Serbia is experiencing one of its most intense waves of student-led protests in recent history, shaking the foundations of President Aleksandar Vučić’s administration. What began as an outcry over a tragic railway station collapse in Novi Sad has transformed into a nationwide movement demanding accountability, an end to corruption, and systemic political reform.

The Catalyst: Novi Sad Tragedy Sparks Outrage

​On November 1, 2024, at approximately 11:50 AM, a catastrophic event unfolded at the Novi Sad railway station in Serbia. The concrete canopy above the station’s main entrance unexpectedly collapsed, tragically claiming the lives of 14 individuals, including a six-year-old child, and injuring at least three others. Emergency responders, numbering around 80 and equipped with heavy machinery, worked tirelessly to rescue those trapped beneath the debris.

The Novi Sad railway station, originally constructed in 1964, had recently undergone extensive renovations as part of Serbia’s broader initiative to modernize its railway infrastructure. This project, involving Chinese firms China Railway International and China Communications Construction Company, aimed to upgrade facilities to support high-speed rail services. The station was ceremonially reopened in March 2022, with further renovations continuing until July 2024.

In the aftermath of the collapse, public outrage intensified, with many attributing the disaster to systemic corruption and inadequate oversight in construction projects. Protesters accused the government of negligence, alleging that corrupt practices and lack of accountability contributed to the tragedy.

Responding to the public outcry, Serbian authorities initiated an investigation that led to charges against 13 individuals, including former Construction Minister Goran Vesić and several transport officials. Critics, however, argue that these indictments fail to address the deeper issues of corruption and systemic failures within the construction sector.

The tragedy has since sparked widespread protests across Serbia, with citizens demanding greater transparency, accountability, and comprehensive reforms to prevent such disasters in the future.

From Protest to Revolution: Students Lead the Charge

University students from Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, and beyond organized daily demonstrations, quickly growing in size and intensity. Their movement gained support from professors, journalists, opposition figures, and even farmers demanding broader economic reforms. What started as a single-issue protest became a full-scale rejection of Vučić’s rule, highlighting deep-seated frustrations with Serbia’s democratic backsliding, media control, and economic struggles.

A Government Under Pressure

Facing mounting pressure, the government responded with a mix of concessions and crackdowns. Prosecutors charged 13 individuals in connection with the Novi Sad disaster, and Prime Minister Miloš Vučević resigned in an attempt to quell the protests. Yet, many protesters see these actions as mere political theater, designed to placate the public without addressing the root causes of corruption and mismanagement. Calls for President Vučić’s resignation continue to grow louder.

Clashes and Escalation: Violence in Parliament

Though the protests have remained largely peaceful, tensions boiled over when opposition lawmakers threw tear gas and smoke bombs inside Serbia’s parliament. The dramatic scene underscored the intensity of political divisions and the growing desperation of the opposition. As security forces move to contain demonstrations, fears of a government crackdown are rising, with many recalling past instances of state repression against protesters.

International Reactions: The EU Watches Closely

Serbia’s student protests have caught the attention of the international community, particularly the European Union. EU leaders have urged Serbian authorities to respect democratic rights and ensure the safety of demonstrators. Brussels has also reiterated that addressing corruption and strengthening judicial independence are key conditions for Serbia’s EU accession process, increasing pressure on Vučić to implement real reforms.

A United Front: Elderly, Church, and Society Stand with Students

What began as a student-led protest has grown into a nationwide movement, drawing support from all corners of Serbian society. Elderly citizens, many of whom lived through past struggles for democracy, have joined the demonstrations, standing alongside young activists and offering historical perspective on the dangers of corruption and authoritarianism. The Serbian Orthodox Church has also voiced support, with priests blessing protesters and calling for justice and moral governance. Teachers, farmers, labor unions, and independent journalists have all rallied behind the students, recognizing their fight as a broader struggle for democracy, accountability, and a better future for all Serbians. This rare unity across generations and social groups signals the deep-rooted frustration with the government and the widespread desire for real change.

A Defining Moment for Serbia’s Future

As tens of thousands continue to march in Belgrade and other cities, Serbia stands at a crossroads. The energy of the student movement is undeniable, and its demands for justice and democracy cannot be easily dismissed. Whether these protests will force meaningful change or be met with further repression remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Serbia’s youth are no longer willing to accept a corrupt and unaccountable government.