In a powerful display of unity and defiance, thousands of Serbians took to the streets on Sunday, vowing to persist in their fight for justice and the rule of law. The protest movement, led by university students, demands that President Aleksandar Vucic call a snap parliamentary election amidst mounting frustration over his tightening grip on power and recent waves of demonstrations challenging his authority.
The protests saw demonstrators block bridges in Belgrade and rally across 30 other cities and towns, marking exactly seven months since a tragic incident that shook the nation, a concrete canopy at a train station in Novi Sad collapsed, claiming 16 lives and igniting widespread anti-corruption protests. The incident has become a rallying point for those accusing the government of corruption and neglect, especially concerning infrastructure projects linked to Chinese state companies.
At all the rallies, a collective message resonated: “The whole of Serbia has risen. There will be no more silence, there will be no more surrender!” The protesters, many of them students, also held commemorations for the victims of the Novi Sad disaster, with some carrying white wreaths toward the crash site. In Belgrade, crowds halted traffic at two key bridges over the Sava River for three hours, demonstrating their resolve.
Many in Serbia believe the tragic collapse was the outcome of flawed renovation work, a suspicion they connect to broader concerns of government corruption in major infrastructure contracts. The incident has become a symbol of public distrust in authorities accused of prioritizing foreign and corporate interests over safety and accountability.
Vucic, who has been criticized for arguably consolidating authoritarian rule since taking power over a decade ago, initially dismissed the idea of early elections. However, on Friday, he hinted that they could happen, though he did not specify a timeline. His comments have further fueled the calls for a vote, with the opposition arguing that the current government is incapable of delivering justice for the victims and addressing public concerns.
Sunday’s protests involved not only marches and blockades but also a solemn remembrance of those lost in the Novi Sad tragedy. In Novi Sad, protesters carried a white wreath as a poignant tribute, while in Belgrade, the bridges blockade disrupted daily life but underscored the protesters’ determination.
Mina Miletic, a Belgrade resident, expressed her hope: “The rule of law and life in a decent country this is what we are fighting for.” Yet Vucic’s government has accused the protesters of being manipulated by foreign powers, with pro-government media describing the demonstrations as “terror” and claiming only a “handful” of people participated an assertion widely disputed by observers.
Most media outlets in Serbia are believed to be under the influence of the ruling populists, often attacking opposition voices and framing protests as anti-national activities. As the movement gains momentum, the pressure mounts on Vucic to respond either by calling early elections or addressing the deep-rooted issues fueling public unrest. With presidential and parliamentary votes scheduled for 2027, many see this moment as a pivotal turning point for Serbia’s future.
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