Historic Serbia Rally Draws 325,000 Citizens Demanding Government Change

On Saturday, a massive crowd gathered in Belgrade, Serbia, to protest the tragic deaths of 15 people caused by a collapse at a railway station. The government claims around 107,000 people attended, while independent estimates suggest as many as 325,000, marking it as one of the largest protests in Serbian history.

The protest was ignited by anger over the collapse of a newly renovated station canopy last November. Many Serbs are blaming government corruption and negligence for the tragedy. Demonstrators feel this incident is a culmination of over ten years of rule by President Aleksandar Vucic and his Progressive Party.

Despite resignations among government officials, protests have intensified. Participants are calling for accountability from their leaders. “We just want a country that works,” said Jana Vasic, a law student. She emphasized a desire for institutions that function properly, regardless of which political party is in power.

Key locations in downtown Belgrade, like Republic Square, were filled with protesters hoping to make their voices heard. Others even climbed onto statues or gathered in front of significant buildings, making it clear that frustration runs deep across different sectors of society. People from various professions, including students, taxi drivers, and farmers, all united for this cause.

Reports indicate that 22 individuals were arrested, while 56 were injured during the protest. The initial turnout began with students, but as dissatisfaction grew, more citizens rallied behind them. In a show of solidarity, groups like motorcyclists and former military veterans also joined the protest.

Students are demanding transparency regarding the renovation of the Novi Sad station, which was reopened by Vucic in 2022. They want all related documentation to be made public and are pushing for justice for those responsible for the building’s failure. Prosecutors have started charging some individuals, including a former construction minister, but as of now, those charges have not reached trial.

Many protesters feel progress is slow. “We’ve seen some political resignations, but our demands haven’t been fully met,” said a student representative. “We want more than just empty promises.”

President Vucic has shrugged off the protests, claiming they will not sway him. He insists he won’t permit political pressure to dictate the future of Serbia. Vucic labeled protest leaders as opportunists while suggesting their demands, particularly those calling for a new government, stem from political rivalry rather than genuine concern.

Experts like law professor Miodrag Jovanovic lament the state of accountability in politics. He believes the students’ demands for upholding the law and holding officials responsible are fundamental to restoring faith in Serbia’s government.

As protests continue, it’s clear that many Serbs want their voices heard. The search for answers regarding the railway disaster and the broader issues of governance will likely persist, as citizens refuse to accept merely superficial changes.



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