Thousands of people took to the streets across Serbia on Wednesday, protesting against what they call the corrupt and authoritarian rule of President Aleksandar Vučić.
The marches marked 11 months since the collapse of the newly renovated train station shelter in Novi Sad, which killed 16 people and triggered a wave of anger against government negligence and cronyism. Protesters insist the tragedy was a direct result of reckless construction projects tied to shady state deals, including contracts with Chinese companies.
With phone lights raised in silence, demonstrators in Belgrade honored the victims, while thousands gathered in Novi Sad despite heavy rain. The scenes echoed a growing nationwide defiance against Vučić’s government, which many accuse of covering up scandals and silencing dissent.
Unlike past protests where police used tear gas against demonstrators, no violent incidents were reported this time. Still, the message was clear: people are no longer willing to tolerate Vučić’s populist regime.
Students — seen as the driving force of the protests — are demanding justice for the victims of the Novi Sad disaster, as well as early parliamentary elections to finally bring down Vučić’s entrenched and increasingly autocratic rule.
