Massive Anti-Government Protests Erupt in Serbia Following Tragic Railway Collapse

In what has been hailed as one of Serbia's largest protests, citizens gather to express their discontent with the government over a deadly railway station collapse, calling for transparency and justice.

Tens of thousands of Serbians flooded the capital, Belgrade, as they gathered for a significant anti-government protest against the deaths of 15 individuals resulting from a railway station collapse. Official figures put attendance at approximately 107,000, marking this event as possibly the largest demonstration Serbia has witnessed. The tragic collapse of the Novi Sad station last November has sparked public outrage directed at the government, with protesters accusing President Aleksandar Vucic's administration of corruption and negligence.

Demonstrators believe the incident is emblematic of a decade of governance by Vucic and his Progressive Party, who oversaw the station's renovation prior to its reopening in 2022. Despite ongoing protests since the disaster, including multiple resignations within the government and in the face of Vucic's steadfast leadership, the public demands a functioning government that delivers justice.

"We want institutions that work for the people," said law student Jana Vasic to the BBC amidst the crowded assembly in Belgrade. The main protest, dubbed "15th for 15," saw participants converge at various locations, notably at Republic Square, which overflowed with attendees calling for change.

Originally initiated by students, the protests have garnered support from diverse groups, including taxi drivers, farmers, and lawyers. Two opposing groups formed outside the National Assembly, adding to the charged atmosphere as military veterans showed solidarity with the students, promising to protect them during the demonstration.

What began as a demand for accountability following the Novi Sad incident has evolved into a broader call for government reform. Protesters, particularly students, are pushing for full transparency regarding the station’s renovation, seeking to access documentation and appropriate accountability for those responsible for the tragedy. While prosecutors have indicted at least 16 individuals, including former construction minister Goran Vesic, no trials have commenced.

Despite Prime Minister Milos Vucevic's announcement of his resignation at the end of January, the political landscape remains tumultuous. Vucic has firmly stated that he will not be coerced into resigning, dismissing claims of opposition parties as part of a criminal effort to seize power.

However, the protesters have made it clear that their focus lies not on political affiliations or party control but on uncovering the truth behind the Novi Sad disaster. As articulated by law professor Miodrag Jovanovic, the public's demands echo the lessons of the importance of rule of law and accountability from public figures.

With the "15th for 15" protest drawing widespread attention, the students and their supporters appear determined to continue advocating for their demands until they achieve measurable change, signaling a crucial moment in Serbia's ongoing political discourse.