Belgrade protests challenge President Vučić’s rule

Tens of thousands rally against alleged corruption and autocratic governance in Serbia

Dec 22, 2024 - Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in central Belgrade on Sunday to voice anger over Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s government, accusing it of corruption and autocratic practices. The demonstration was organized by students and farmers' unions, demanding accountability for a deadly incident in Novi Sad last year.

The movement gained momentum after the collapse of the Novi Sad railway station roof in November, which killed 15 people. Protesters blame the tragedy on corruption and poor-quality renovations carried out by Chinese state-owned companies, a recurring concern in Serbia’s infrastructure projects.

In Belgrade, the crowd held a 15-minute silence in honor of the victims before chanting, “Your hands are bloodied.” Similar rallies took place in Niš and Kragujevac, underlining a growing wave of discontent across the country.

Calls for justice

Protesters demand legal accountability for those involved in the Novi Sad incident, including President Vučić, whom they accuse of enabling systemic corruption. Authorities have so far arrested 13 people, but public trust in the investigation has been shaken after one suspect, a government minister, was released.

The demonstrations reflect a broader dissatisfaction with Vučić’s rule. While the president has sought closer ties with the European Union, critics accuse him of eroding democratic freedoms and fostering alliances with Russia and China.

Vučić has dismissed the protests, initially alleging that students were paid by Western powers to stir unrest. He later claimed to have addressed their concerns by publishing documentation on the railway renovations, but the protests have continued unabated.

Opposition demands grow

Opposition parties have called for a transitional government to ensure free and fair elections, a proposal Vučić has rejected. Speaking at the inauguration of a new highway segment in central Serbia on Sunday, the president criticized his opponents for exploiting student movements, stating, “We will defeat them again, more decisively than ever, because we work for the people.”

The government’s extension of school holidays and suspension of university classes has done little to deter demonstrations. Instead, support for the movement has grown, with participation from high school students, academics, media personalities, and prominent figures across Serbia.

Rising tensions

Protests have occasionally turned violent, with pro-government groups attempting to disrupt gatherings. On Sunday, a farmers' leader reported that police had confiscated his tractor before a planned march.

Despite these challenges, the protests have maintained widespread public backing. Demonstrators continue to demand systemic reforms and justice for the victims of the Novi Sad disaster.