Tens of thousands of protesters flooded the streets of Belgrade on Saturday in the largest antigovernment demonstration in years, as anger mounts over alleged corruption under President Aleksandar Vucic. The protests, initially sparked by a deadly railway station roof collapse in Novi Sad last November, have gained momentum, with students leading near-daily rallies against the government.
Serbia’s interior minister reported that at least 107,000 people participated in the demonstration. Riot police in full gear were deployed throughout central Belgrade, particularly around Pionirski Park and the National Assembly, where the protest began before marchers moved toward Slavija Square.
Although sporadic clashes broke out overnight ahead of the rally, the demonstration itself remained largely peaceful. Protesters were met by thousands of veterans from elite military brigades and biker groups, who joined them in observing 15 minutes of silence at exactly 11:52 a.m. (10:52 GMT) to honor the 15 victims of the Novi Sad tragedy—the moment the roof collapsed.
The catalyst for the protests was the November 1 collapse of a railway station roof in Novi Sad, which killed 15 people. Critics blame the disaster on deep-seated corruption within Vucic’s administration, accusing government officials of negligence and profiteering at the expense of public safety. Prosecutors have since charged at least 13 people in connection with the incident.
Many protesters carried banners reading “He’s Finished,” a direct message to Vucic, while others chanted, “Pump it up,” a phrase that has become a rallying cry for the student-led movement.
“We came for justice. I hope that after this protest, things will change,” said Milica Stojanovic, a biology student in Belgrade, speaking to AFP.
As the protests continue to grow, the Serbian government faces mounting pressure to address public grievances over corruption, governance, and accountability.
