Hundreds of thousands gathered in Belgrade on Saturday for a large protest demanding accountability for the deaths of 15 individuals following the collapse of the Novi Sad railway station. Estimates of attendance range from 107,000, according to the government, to as high as 325,000, according to independent monitors, making it Serbia’s largest protest to date.
The disaster, attributed to longstanding issues of corruption and governance under President Aleksandar Vučić and the Progressive Party, has spurred public outrage and calls for change. Protesters, including students, farmers, and taxi drivers, expressed frustration over lack of justice and accountability, insisting that they want a functioning state rather than political representation from any specific party.
Protests began with student-led initiatives but attracted diverse groups. Protesters hope for full transparency regarding the station’s renovation and demand that those responsible for the tragedy be prosecuted. While some politicians, including Prime Minister Miloš Vučević, have resigned, they remain in positions pending formal ratification. Vučić, however, insists he will not step down and dismisses the protests as attempts by the opposition to create instability.
Many, including scholars and political leaders, are pushing for governance based on the rule of law and accountability. The protests show no signs of abating, and participants vow to continue until their demands for transparency and justice are met.
Source link
