In Belgrade, the heart of Serbia, a wave of determined citizens demanding justice and adherence to the rule of law has reached its peak. Thousands gathered on Sunday, calling loudly for President Aleksandar Vucic to initiate a snap parliamentary election. This demand arises against the backdrop of prolonged demonstrations that have posed a considerable challenge to the President’s substantial hold on power in the Balkan nation.
The fervent protests, led by university students, witnessed the blockade of bridges in Belgrade and rallies stretched across 30 other cities and towns in Serbia. This marked seven months since the fatal collapse of a concrete canopy at a train station in the north, a catastrophe which killed 16 individuals and acted as a catalyst for the surge of anti-corruption protests throughout the country.
“We are united, we will no longer remain silent, nor will we give up,” proclaimed the protesting students in a synchronized address that echoed across all rallies. A significant portion of the Serbian populace is convinced that the tragic November 1 collapse in Novi Sad resulted from flawed renovation works at the station. They have linked this disaster to suspected governmental malpractice in substantial infrastructure projects allied with Chinese firms.
President Vucic, who has faced criticism for what many describe as authoritarian tactics since assuming power over a decade ago, initially dismissed the need for early elections. However, his recent remarks hinted at their potential occurrence, albeit with no specific timeline given.
Sunday’s demonstrations also included memorial activities for the Novi Sad victims, alongside student-led marches and organized blockades. In Belgrade, the protesters seized control of two major bridges over the Sava River, stopping traffic for three hours. Meanwhile, in Novi Sad, protestors carried a somber white wreath as they made their way to the scene of the canopy collapse tragedy.
Mina Miletic, a participant from Belgrade, expressed her optimism, stating it was inspiring to witness such unity aimed at achieving “the rule of law and a dignified life.” However, President Vucic has accused the protestors of being vehicles for unidentified Western interests aimed at “undermining Serbia.” Pro-government media outlets were quick to label the Belgrade blockades as acts of “terror,” falsely minimizing the turnout of the protests.
In Serbia, many media channels operate under the influence of the ruling populists, frequently denouncing government critics and accusing them of anti-national activities. The students spearheading this movement are pushing for immediate elections, arguing that the existing administration is incapable of delivering justice for the crash victims. Without early elections, the next presidential and parliamentary votes are scheduled for 2027.
No convictions have been made concerning the Novi Sad disaster, and skepticism remains as to whether legal proceedings will unveil the alleged corruption linked to the incident. As Serbia aspires for European Union membership, the ruling party’s alleged suppression of democratic freedoms, including restricting media freedom, remains a contentious issue. Vucic’s government has intensified pressure against protestors, employing tactics of police detentions, intimidation, and sometimes physical confrontations.