Belgrade, Serbia: Hundreds of thousands of people flooded the streets of Belgrade on Saturday to demand justice for the 15 victims of the Novi Sad railway station collapse.
The tragedy, which occurred in November 2024, has become a symbol of public outrage against corruption and negligence in Serbia’s government.
While the government estimated the turnout at 107,000, the Public Meeting Archive, an independent monitor, reported between 275,000 and 325,000 attendees, with the possibility of even higher numbers. This makes it Serbia’s largest protest in history.
The station’s collapse has sparked growing dissatisfaction with President Aleksandar Vučić and the ruling Progressive Party, which has been in power for over a decade.
The station was renovated and reopened in 2022, with Vučić closely associated with the project. Protesters accuse authorities of cutting corners, leading to the disaster.
Protests intensify
The protests, originally led by students, have grown into a nationwide movement involving taxi drivers, farmers, and lawyers.
On Saturday, 15th of March, massive crowds gathered at four locations in Belgrade, including Republic Square, which was filled to capacity. Many protesters held up their mobile phones in a 15-minute tribute to the victims.
Military veterans and motorbike riders also joined the demonstrations, vowing to protect students from potential attacks.
Meanwhile, counter-protesters supporting the government assembled near the National Assembly, with tractors blocking some areas. Authorities reported 22 arrests and 56 injuries during the protests.
President Vučić addressed the nation, praising police efforts to maintain peace and acknowledging the protesters’ concerns. President said that, “I understand their message, we will have to change ourselves.”
However, Vučić insisted he would not step down, stating that, “I don’t give in to blackmail. I won’t allow the street to pave a horrible future for this country.”
Opposition leaders have called for a “government of experts” to navigate the crisis, arguing that free elections are not possible due to the ruling party’s control over state institutions and media. However, the student-led movement has remained focused on justice for the victims rather than political change.
Protesters are demanding full transparency on the Novi Sad station’s renovation, the release of all related documents, and accountability for those responsible. While 16 people, including former construction minister Goran Vesić, have been indicted, the case has yet to go to trial.
Despite the government’s response, demonstrators insist they will continue until their demands are fully met, keeping pressure on Serbia’s leadership in what has become an unprecedented public uprising.
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