The question on many minds is: what’s going on with the Belgrade Serbia protests today? While the largest demonstration occurred yesterday, Saturday, March 15, 2025, the underlying issues that brought hundreds of thousands to the streets of Serbia’s capital remain significant. These protests were primarily triggered by the tragic Novi Sad railway station collapse in November, which claimed 15 lives, and have since evolved into a broader expression of anger against government corruption and President Aleksandar Vucic.
Key Takeaways:
- Massive protests took place in Belgrade, Serbia yesterday, March 15, 2025, the largest in the country’s history.
- The protests were sparked by the Novi Sad railway station collapse and fueled by accusations of government corruption and dissatisfaction with President Vucic.
- Hundreds of thousands of people participated, demanding accountability, transparency, and a functional country.
- President Vucic acknowledged the protesters’ message but insisted he would not be forced out of power by street demonstrations.
- While the main protest was on Saturday, the student-led movement shows no signs of retreating, leaving the future direction of the protests uncertain.
Why Were There Protests in Belgrade, Serbia?
The recent surge in protests in Belgrade, Serbia is primarily rooted in the public outrage following the collapse of a concrete and glass canopy at the newly renovated Novi Sad railway station in November, which resulted in the deaths of 15 people [Source: BBC News]. The renovation of the station was closely associated with President Aleksandar Vucic, and protesters believe that corruption and corner-cutting in the project led to the disaster [Source: DW].
The “15th for 15” Protest: A Historic Turnout
Yesterday’s protest, dubbed “15th for 15” in tribute to the victims, saw an unprecedented number of people taking to the streets of Belgrade. While the government estimated the attendance at 107,000, an independent monitor reported a staggering 275,000 to 325,000 participants, potentially making it the largest protest in Serbia’s modern history [Source: The New York Times]. People gathered at multiple points across the capital before converging in front of the National Assembly.
What Are the Protesters Demanding?
The protesters, initially led by students, are demanding full transparency and accountability regarding the Novi Sad station collapse. They want the government to release all documentation related to the renovation project and are not satisfied with the information provided so far. Furthermore, they are calling for the prosecution and conviction of those responsible for the disaster. Beyond this specific demand, there is a broader sentiment of frustration with systemic corruption and a desire for a country with properly functioning institutions [Source: DW].
President Vucic’s Reaction
President Vucic addressed the nation on Saturday, praising the police and stating his pride in maintaining peace during the large demonstration. He also mentioned that he “understood” the protesters’ message and that the government would need to change. However, he firmly stated that he would not give in to “blackmail” or allow street protests to dictate the country’s future, indicating he has no intention of resigning [Source: BBC News].
What’s Next for the Belgrade Protests?
While yesterday’s protest was massive, the student-led movement has been ongoing for months. Despite some resignations of officials, the core demands of the protesters have not yet been fully met. Political analysts suggest that while the protests have demonstrated significant public discontent, the lack of a clear political strategy might make it challenging to sustain the momentum and achieve concrete changes. As of today, Sunday, March 16, 2025, there have been no major reports of new large-scale protests, but the underlying tensions and the students’ determination suggest that this movement is unlikely to simply disappear [Source: DW].
In conclusion, while the largest demonstration in Belgrade, Serbia occurred yesterday, the issues driving the protests – the tragic Novi Sad station collapse and broader concerns about governance – remain unresolved. The coming days and weeks will likely reveal the next steps in this ongoing situation.
