Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Belgrade’s Slavija Square on Sunday to voice opposition against populist President Aleksandar Vucic and his government. The demonstration followed weeks of student-led protests sparked by a deadly railway station canopy collapse on Nov. 1 that claimed 15 lives in Novi Sad.
The rally, organized by university students and farmer unions, has become one of the largest in recent years, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with Vucic’s leadership. Protesters held banners reading, “We are all under the canopy,” and observed a 15-minute silence for the victims before chanting, “You have blood on your hands!”
Smaller demonstrations also took place in Nis and Kragujevac. The collapse of the railway station canopy is widely blamed on corruption and alleged substandard renovations linked to Chinese state companies. Protesters are demanding accountability and justice for those responsible.
Prominent Serbian actors, including Bane Trifunovic, joined the protest, describing the rally as “a festival of freedom.” In contrast, President Vucic, appearing at the inauguration of a new highway in central Serbia, dismissed opposition demands for a transitional government. “We will beat them again,” Vucic said, accusing opponents of exploiting students to gain political power.
The president has attempted to pacify protests by offering financial incentives, such as favorable loans for young people to buy apartments. He has also highlighted efforts to attract professionals who had emigrated for better opportunities in the West.
The tragedy in Novi Sad has resulted in 13 arrests, including a government minister, whose release has fueled skepticism about the investigation’s integrity. The opposition has called for a transitional government to ensure free and fair elections amid allegations of election rigging in the past.
Serbia’s ongoing student-led protests have intensified, with university classes suspended and high school students joining the movement. In response, the government extended school winter holidays. Protesters have faced occasional clashes with pro-government groups attempting to disrupt their activities.
Farmers supporting the protests reported police confiscated their tractor in Belgrade. Despite this, the movement has garnered nationwide backing, including support from professors, legal professionals, and public figures. President Vucic initially accused the protesters of financial motives but later claimed to have met their demands, including publishing.
AP
