Serbia Witnesses Largest Protest in History as 325,000 Rally Against Government

Serbia Witnesses Largest Protest in History as 325,000 Rally Against Government

Serbia Witnesses Largest Protest in History as 325,000 Rally Against Government

A massive demonstration took place in Serbia’s capital on Saturday, with hundreds of thousands gathering to protest the deaths of 15 people in a railway station collapse.

While official government figures estimated attendance at 107,000 across Belgrade, an independent monitor reported that at least 325,000 had joined the protest, making it the largest in Serbia’s history.

The collapse at Novi Sad last November has fueled public outrage against the government and President Aleksandar Vucic. Protesters hold corruption and negligence responsible for the tragic loss of lives.

Many believe the disaster symbolizes over a decade of rule by the Progressive Party, led by Vucic, who had personally endorsed the station’s recent renovations.

Despite multiple resignations and Vucic’s firm stance on remaining in power, the demonstrations continue to grow.

"We just want a country that works," law student Jana Vasic told amidst the swelling crowd in Belgrade.

"We want institutions that do their jobs properly. We don't care what party is in power. But we need a country that works, not one where you don't get justice for more than four months."

Republic Square—one of four designated gathering points for the "15th for 15" demonstration—was packed beyond capacity on Saturday.

Some protesters sought space atop the Prince Mihajlo statue’s plinth, a traditional meeting point for Belgraders, comparable to London’s Piccadilly Circus.

Others formed long queues along the road in front of the National Museum, with the crowd stretching all the way back to Students’ Square.

The remaining rally points were just as crowded before demonstrators converged in front of the National Assembly.

According to the Public Meeting Archive, between 275,000 and 325,000 people attended—potentially even more.

"Due to the extraordinary size, dynamic nature, and structure of the assembly, as well as unclear conditions in some parts of the city... a more precise assessment is not possible," the organization reported.

Serbian media indicated that 22 individuals were arrested and 56 sustained injuries.

Initially led by students, the protests have since garnered support from taxi drivers, farmers, and legal professionals.

Ahead of the massive rally, motorbike riders assembled outside the National Assembly, facing off against tractors belonging to pro-government counter-protesters.

A procession of military veterans then arrived to a warm reception, vowing to conduct a citizen’s arrest on anyone who attacked the students.

The students demand complete transparency and accountability regarding the collapse of the concrete and glass canopy at the station in Serbia’s second-largest city, which had been renovated and reopened by Vucic in 2022.

They insist the government release all documentation related to the renovation project, expressing dissatisfaction with the limited disclosures provided so far.

Additionally, they call for those responsible for the tragedy to be prosecuted and convicted. Prosecutors have so far charged at least 16 individuals, including former construction minister Goran Vesic.

However, the case has yet to go to trial, and protesters vow to continue demonstrating until all their demands are met.

"We're making progress," stated a student representing Belgrade University. "But at this point, none of our demands have been met completely."

"A couple of politicians have resigned from their offices," another protester noted. "But they weren't fired. We're yet to see anything but empty promises."

Prime Minister Milos Vucevic announced his resignation in late January, but as it awaits ratification by the National Assembly, he remains in office.

Nevertheless, real authority in Serbia remains with Vucic, who has reaffirmed his refusal to step down.

"I don't give in to blackmail," he declared during a media conference on the eve of the protest. "I won't allow the street to pave a horrible future for this country."

In his address to the nation on Saturday, Vucic commended law enforcement, stating he was proud that "we managed to preserve the peace."

He acknowledged the protesters' concerns, admitting, "we will have to change ourselves."

Although Vucic described the student-led demonstrations as "well-intentioned," he was far more critical of opposition parties, labeling them part of a "criminal cartel." He accused them of attempting to impose a "fraudulent interim government."

Borko Stefanovic, deputy president of the Party of Freedom and Justice, does not deny that opposition parties seek the establishment of a "government of experts."

Stefanovic argues that such a move is the "only rational way out" of the ongoing political crisis, which he believes would set the stage for fresh elections.

Opposition leaders, including Stefanovic, claim that free elections are currently unattainable due to the Progressive Party’s dominance over media and state institutions.

However, election reform is not one of the students' demands. Their primary focus remains uncovering the full truth about the Novi Sad disaster.

As law professor Miodrag Jovanovic explains, "they are asking for the things I've been lecturing about—the rule of law, respect for the constitution, and the responsibility and accountability of public officials."

Regardless of the outcome of the "15th for 15" demonstration, it appears unlikely that the students will back down until they receive meaningful answers.