BELGRADE, Serbia — Milos Vucevic, the prime minister of Serbia, announced his resignation on Tuesday in a bid to ease the escalating political unrest that has been ignited by extensive anti-corruption demonstrations. These protests erupted following a deadly incident where a concrete overhang collapsed at a renovated train station, resulting in 15 fatalities.
This tragic incident occurred at the central station in Novi Sad, a major Serbian city, just months after its reopening. The disaster has fueled public criticism surrounding the construction’s safety, serving as a catalyst for broader grievances against the authoritarian governance in Serbia. Citizens are increasingly demanding accountability and transparency in a nation that has undertaken numerous large-scale infrastructure projects often in collaboration with Chinese firms.
In a press conference announcing his resignation, Vucevic urged for calm and requested a return to constructive dialogue. Shortly after his announcement, the mayor of Novi Sad also stepped down. Protests have gained momentum, with a large gathering in Novi Sad that drew thousands on Tuesday. The demonstrations have swept across the nation, involving citizens from various sectors—including farmers, judges, and actors—united in support of a student-led movement that challenges President Aleksandar Vucic’s administration.
With Vucevic’s departure, Serbia may face an impending parliamentary election, or the dominant right-wing Serbian Progressive Party, which Vucic founded, may attempt to form a new government. Vucic mentioned that a decision concerning the government’s future could be reached within ten days, dismissing opposition calls for a transitional government and stating that the stability of Serbia is at risk.
“Order will be restored in Serbia, and peace and stability will be maintained,” Vucic asserted, issuing a cautionary note regarding the rising tensions among opposition groups. Meanwhile, opposition representatives have demanded a transitional government to lay the groundwork for future elections, reflecting the populists’ alleged malpractices in previous electoral processes.
Rising through the ranks, Vucevic became prime minister in April 2024 after his party secured an overwhelming legislative victory amid prevailing unrest. Analyst Slobodan Georgiev remarked that the governing party has faced declining support since the tragedy in Novi Sad, suggesting Vucic is seeking to create distance from the situation through this change in leadership.
These protests represent a significant challenge to Vucic’s established political dominance. Since his initial presidential election in 2017, he has aligned himself with Hungary’s populist leader, Viktor Orbán, while successfully quelling prior anti-government movements. However, the current push for justice has engaged a broader segment of society, reflecting widespread discontent with endemic corruption and ineffective public institutions.
Branimir Jovancicevic, a chemistry professor from Belgrade, expressed optimism that Vucevic’s resignation could signal a new political chapter in Serbia, where power is heavily centralized. He cautioned that transforming one minor political role will not suffice and emphasized the necessity for fundamental political reform to dismantle the autocratic nature of the current regime.
On Monday, tens of thousands participated in a significant protest, forming a blockade at a major intersection in Belgrade for 24 hours. In efforts to de-escalate tensions, Vucic, Vucevic, and Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic invited students to discussions. However, student leaders have largely declined these overtures, asserting that the root of the problem lies with Vucic’s presidency, which they view as largely ceremonial. They demand that governmental bodies fulfill their responsibilities and uphold constitutional law.
The catalyst for Vucevic’s resignation stemmed from an assault on a female student in Novi Sad, allegedly perpetrated by individuals tied to the ruling Serbian Progressive Party. Vucevic expressed concern that progress toward dialogue is often thwarted by unexpected incidents that escalate tensions.
Paralleling Vucic’s sentiments, Vucevic also suggested that external forces may be orchestrating the protests to destabilize Serbia, though he did not provide substantiated evidence. He voiced his inability to commend or condone the disruptions caused by ongoing protests which hinder daily life for citizens.
Students in Novi Sad expressed their disgust at the recent attack, revealing it was carried out by assailants wielding baseball bats who targeted fellow students. Prosecutors stated that four individuals have been arrested in connection to the attack.
Responding to the recent surge in rallies, students displayed red-painted hands and signs bearing red handprints during demonstrations, symbolizing the movement’s message of accountability for the loss of life. A student spokesperson at a rally proclaimed that “this is not just our struggle, it’s the struggle of all who seek justice. We must not allow attacks on students to become common.”
The protests have faced interruptions, including vehicular incidents where drivers have collided with demonstrators, resulting in injuries. Daily traffic disruptions have taken place across Serbia at precisely 11:52 a.m., the time at which the tragic overhang fell, serving to honor the lives lost.
Despite the public outcry, Serbian prosecutors have brought charges against 13 individuals related to the collapse, including a government minister. However, the release of former Construction Minister Goran Vesic, who stepped down shortly after the tragedy, has raised concerns regarding the impartiality of the investigation.
The main railway station in Novi Sad underwent several renovations and was officially inaugurated multiple times as part of a broader infrastructure initiative involving Chinese state enterprises, aimed at enhancing transportation links with Hungary.
