Serbia has witnessed an unprecedented wave of protests in recent months, with hundreds of thousands of citizens taking to the streets of Belgrade to demand accountability, transparency, and justice. Sparked by the tragic collapse of a concrete canopy at a train station in Novi Sad, which killed 15 people in November, the protests have grown into the largest anti-government demonstrations in Serbia’s history.

Scale and Impact of the Protests
The sheer size of the demonstrations has been a defining characteristic of this movement. While official government sources estimated attendance at 107,000, independent monitors reported that over 300,000(approx.) protesters gathered in Belgrade. The numbers make this the largest public demonstration in Serbia’s history, reflecting deep public dissatisfaction with President Aleksandar Vučić’s government.

The student-led protests, which began as a reaction to the Novi Sad disaster, have since gained widespread support from various sectors of society, including farmers, taxi drivers, lawyers, and military veterans. Tractors and convoys of cars joined the demonstrations, adding to the growing pressure on the government. However, despite the mass mobilization, the Serbian government has yet to fully address the protesters’ demands.
Demands and Government Response
At the heart of the protests is the demand for justice regarding the Novi Sad tragedy. Protesters accuse the government of corruption, negligence, and lack of enforcement of safety regulations. They have called for the publication of all documents related to the train station renovation, which was completed in 2022 under Vučić’s oversight.
Despite some resignations within the government, protesters insist that real accountability has yet to be achieved. While at least 16 people, including former construction minister Goran Vesic, have been indicted, the trials have yet to commence. The protesters continue to demand concrete action, not just promises.
President Vučić has responded to the protests by dismissing them as an attempt at an “imported revolution,” accusing foreign intelligence agencies of fueling the movement. He has refused to consider forming a transitional government or calling early elections, despite growing public dissent.

Escalating Tensions and Government Measures
The Serbian government has taken several steps to curb the protests. Public transportation in Belgrade was suspended during the rally, and intercity trains were canceled under the pretext of security concerns. Several international journalists from Croatia and Slovenia were denied entry into Serbia, highlighting government efforts to control media coverage. Additionally, reports indicate that pro-government counter-protesters, including members of organized football hooligan groups and former Red Berets special forces, were present near the demonstrations, raising concerns about potential violence.
Despite these obstacles, the movement remains largely peaceful. The European Union and the United Nations have urged the Serbian government to respect the right to protest, while Western governments remain cautious in their stance, seeking to maintain relations with Vučić.
The Future of Serbia’s Protest Movement
As the demonstrations continue, the student-led movement remains firm in its objectives. Protesters have vowed to persist until their demands are met, emphasizing the need for institutional reforms and an end to government corruption. Many see this as a pivotal moment in Serbia’s history—a test of whether the government will heed the public’s call for justice and reform or continue its current course of action.
With tensions still high and the protest movement showing no signs of slowing down, Serbia stands at a crossroads. Whether the government chooses dialogue and reform, or suppression and resistance will determine the country’s political future in the months to come.
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