Serbia Sees Largest Protest in Modern History Against Government Corruption
Hundreds of thousands demand accountability following a deadly train station collapse and broader systemic reforms.
- Protests in Belgrade, led by students and supported by diverse societal groups, drew an estimated 275,000 to 325,000 people, marking the largest demonstration in Serbian history.
- The movement began after a deadly train station collapse in Novi Sad in November 2024, which killed 15 people, and has since grown into a broader call against corruption and government malpractice.
- Protesters are demanding transparency in the Novi Sad investigation, prosecution of those responsible, and reforms to address systemic corruption and weak institutional oversight.
- While the government has made some concessions, including publishing investigation documents and increasing education funding, protesters remain distrustful of President Aleksandar Vucic's administration.
- Tensions escalated during the protests, with reports of arrests, injuries, and allegations of potential use of acoustic weapons, further fueling public outrage.