Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has postponed a planned political gathering and public address in Novi Sad scheduled for September 4, saying that protecting the lives of Serbian citizens was more important than demonstrating political strength.
Vučić said police would not have been deployed simply to protect his supporters from opponents, but also to protect others from what he described as angry citizens who could no longer tolerate “terror on the streets.”
“For me, both sides are citizens of Serbia, and I do not want a single human life to be endangered because of a demonstration of political power,” Vučić said.
The Serbian president referred to the collapse of the canopy at Novi Sad railway station nearly two years ago, which killed 16 people, including children.
“That tragedy affected and changed each of us,” Vučić said, adding that he felt deep respect for the victims and their families.
He said he had repeatedly called for responsibility to be established and for anyone found guilty to be punished.
“I am sure that nobody is satisfied with the speed of the proceedings and the answers provided by prosecutors. But neither I as president nor those in the streets will determine the answers — our institutions will,” Vučić said in a post on Instagram.
Vučić, however, also criticized political opponents and protest participants, arguing that some people who initially demanded justice after the Novi Sad tragedy were now seeking political power.
He said seeking political office was “legal and legitimate,” but questioned whether it was morally justified.
Vučić added that he was prepared to meet his political opponents’ demands and call elections.
The postponement comes amid continuing political tensions and protests in Serbia linked to demands for accountability over the Novi Sad railway station disaster and broader criticism of the government.
