On March 15, Belgrade was engulfed in one of the largest anti-government protests in its recent history, drawing hundreds of thousands of citizens to the streets. The demonstration was triggered by a growing sense of frustration with the Serbian government, particularly following the tragic collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad that resulted in 15 fatalities in November 2024. Many citizens believe that governmental corruption, negligence, and mismanagement were directly responsible for this preventable disaster, further fueling the anger on the streets.
The protests were led by a diverse coalition of students, teachers, farmers, and political activists, all united under a common cause: to demand accountability, transparency, and reform. People from all walks of life marched, carrying banners and chanting slogans calling for an end to corruption, the resignation of key government figures, and a drastic overhaul of the country’s political system.
In the months following the tragedy, the government faced mounting public pressure, culminating in the resignation of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević in January 2025. Despite this gesture, many protesters felt that this was insufficient, demanding the ouster of President Aleksandar Vučić and his associates. The public’s calls for comprehensive anti-corruption measures have become louder, with a demand for real changes rather than symbolic actions.
While the protests have remained largely peaceful, there have been instances of violence. These include a car attack on protesters and confrontations with security forces, adding fuel to the fire of dissent. The government has dismissed these protests as being influenced by foreign interests, but the protesters argue that the cause is purely domestic—rooted in disillusionment with a system perceived to prioritize political loyalty over the well-being of the people.
Despite the occasional unrest, the scale and persistence of the protests speak to a nation at a crossroads. The movement, though initially sparked by one incident, has grown into a wider call for systemic change. Demonstrators are no longer just seeking justice for those lost in Novi Sad but are demanding an entire overhaul of the country’s governance, from local municipalities to the highest offices.
International organizations have been closely monitoring the situation, voicing concern about the potential for escalating violence and instability. Calls for peaceful dialogue and respect for democratic processes have come from the European Union and other foreign governments, but the Serbian administration has yet to take significant steps toward addressing the grievances of the public.
The protests have already disrupted daily life in Belgrade, with major roads and transportation hubs blocked by the throngs of demonstrators. But despite the inconvenience, the protests continue to grow, signaling that the people are determined to ensure their voices are heard. There’s a palpable sense of resolve that these protests are not just about a single tragedy, but about a wider desire for political accountability, justice, and a government that serves the needs of the people rather than its own interests.
The outcome of these protests remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Serbia is undergoing a moment of reckoning, and the future of its political landscape will depend on how the government responds to the overwhelming demand for reform. Whether these protests lead to lasting change or further unrest will be one of the key questions in the months ahead.
