On Saturday, March 15, 2025, Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, became the epicenter of one of the largest protests in the nation’s history. More than 100,000 demonstrators gathered to demand accountability from President Aleksandar Vučić and his government. The rally was the culmination of months-long protests sparked by the tragic collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad last November, which killed 15 people. The incident has become a symbol of alleged corruption and negligence under Vučić’s administration.
A Nation United in Grief and Anger in Belgrade
The protests began as a response to the Novi Sad disaster, where a newly renovated railway station canopy collapsed just a year after its grand reopening. Many believe that corruption and corner-cutting during construction were responsible for the tragedy. The loss of 15 lives has galvanized public anger toward the government, with many accusing it of prioritizing profits over safety.
While students initially led the movement, it quickly gained traction among various groups, including farmers, bikers, military veterans, lawyers, and ordinary citizens. Protesters from across Serbia traveled to Belgrade to join the rally, carrying banners, waving flags, and chanting slogans demanding justice and reform.
Massive Turnout Despite Challenges
The sheer size of the protest was unprecedented. Police estimated that 107,000 people attended at its peak, but independent monitors suggested numbers closer to 300,000. Serbian media described it as one of the largest demonstrations in the country’s history.
Despite attempts to limit attendance—such as suspending public transportation in Belgrade—protesters found ways to reach the capital. Long convoys of cars, tractors, and motorcycles clogged roads leading into the city as people traveled from all corners of Serbia to make their voices heard.
The streets of Belgrade were packed with demonstrators holding signs that read “Justice for Novi Sad” and “End Corruption.” Many carried Serbian flags or wore black ribbons in memory of the victims.
Demands for Justice and Accountability
At the heart of the protests is a demand for transparency and accountability regarding the Novi Sad disaster. Protesters want those responsible for unsafe construction practices to be held accountable. While prosecutors have indicted 16 individuals involved in the renovation project—including former construction minister Goran Vesic—no trials have begun. Demonstrators insist they will not stop until justice is served.
“We want answers,” said law student Jana Vasic. “We want a country where institutions work and where people are held accountable for their actions. This isn’t about politics—it’s about basic human decency.”
The students leading the protests have also called for all documentation related to the renovation project to be made public. They argue that the government has been withholding critical information about what went wrong during construction.
Students at the Forefront
University students have been at the forefront of these protests for more than four months. Their demands go beyond justice for Novi Sad victims—they are calling for systemic reforms to end corruption and ensure accountability in government institutions.
“We just want a country that works,” said another student protester representing Belgrade University’s philosophy faculty. “We don’t care who’s in power—we just want justice and accountability.”
The students have notably distanced themselves from political opposition parties, focusing instead on grassroots activism. They have emphasized that their movement is about governance and ethics rather than partisan politics.
Clashes and Tensions
While the protests were largely peaceful, there were isolated incidents of violence. Police reported that a vehicle drove into a group of protesters in a suburb of Belgrade, injuring three people. Additionally, some demonstrators were assaulted near the state broadcasting headquarters by pro-government groups.
Authorities detained 13 individuals linked to these incidents but denied any organized effort to disrupt the protests.
A mysterious loud noise also startled crowds during a moment of silence for Novi Sad victims, causing brief panic among protesters. However, this did not deter their resolve.
Government Response
President Aleksandar Vučić has dismissed calls for his resignation and rejected proposals for a transitional government to organize fresh elections. He accused Western intelligence agencies of fueling the protests to destabilize Serbia but provided no evidence for these claims.
In a televised address ahead of Saturday’s rally, Vučić described student-led demonstrations as “well-intentioned” but accused opposition parties of being part of a “criminal cartel.” He claimed they were attempting to force him out through an “imported revolution.”
“I won’t give in to blackmail,” Vučić declared during his speech. “I won’t allow chaos on our streets.”
Despite his defiance, Vučić acknowledged that he understood some of the protesters’ frustrations and promised reforms within his administration. However, many demonstrators dismissed his comments as empty promises.
Protesters Persist Despite Challenges
Despite government provocations and attempts to limit attendance at rallies through public transportation suspensions and other measures, protesters remain determined. The movement has grown stronger with each passing week as more Serbians join calls for justice and reform.
Protesters carried banners declaring “He’s Finished!” while chanting slogans like “Pump it Up” in reference to their growing momentum. Students vowed not to relent until their demands are met.
“We’re making progress,” said one student leader. “But none of our demands have been fully met yet.”
A Historic Movement
This rally marks a turning point in Serbia’s political landscape. It represents one of the most significant challenges to Vučić’s 13-year hold on power as president or prime minister. Demonstrators are demanding not just justice for Novi Sad victims but systemic change to end corruption and ensure accountability in government institutions.
The European Union and United Nations have called on Serbia’s government to respect citizens’ right to protest peacefully. Western governments have been hesitant in their approach to Vučić due to geopolitical considerations but are closely monitoring developments.
Looking Ahead
As protests continue to grow in size and intensity, it is clear that Serbians are united in their call for change. Whether this movement leads to tangible reforms remains uncertain, but it has already reshaped public discourse in Serbia.
Belgrade’s historic day of anger underscores a powerful message: Serbians will no longer tolerate corruption and negligence that endanger lives or undermine democracy. For now, all eyes remain on President Vučić—and whether he will heed his citizens’ demands or continue resisting change.
