Anti-corruption demonstrations in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, have intensified, led by students who are calling for a new election and clashing with supporters of President Alexander Vucic. The situation escalated last week, resulting in violent confrontations between protesters and security forces, particularly after an office building linked to the ruling party was attacked.
In a national address, President Vucic stated, “We will take every measure necessary to restore law and order.” This comes in the wake of increasing unrest that has its roots in a construction tragedy where 16 people lost their lives due to a canopy collapse at the Novi Sad railway station last November, linked to renovations by two Chinese firms.
Since December, tens of thousands of university students have been actively demanding accountability and justice, pointing to the government’s neglect in fulfilling their requests, including the release of relevant documentation about the station’s reconstruction. In his speech, Vucic emphasized that justice must be served for those responsible for the accident.
Critics have taken issue with the government’s harsh measures against protesters. Alain Bursett, executive director of the Council of Europe, expressed concern about rising violence during these demonstrations.
Amidst the chaos, Serbian Foreign Minister Marco Julik responded to the criticism by stating that while the government supports peaceful assembly, it is obligated to act decisively when protests lead to violence threatening national stability.
According to Helena Ivanov from the Henry Jackson Society, “This is the biggest threat Vucic has faced in 13 years, and it’s hard to see how he’ll navigate it without calling for an election soon.” Ivanov went on to say, “Things are evidently not working, and if a fair election doesn’t happen soon, the situation could worsen dramatically.”
The protests, which began as a response to the government’s handling of the Novi Sad tragedy, have expanded into broader criticisms of corruption and the decline of the rule of law under Vucic’s leadership. One of the most significant protests occurred on March 15, when around 350,000 people rallied in Slavia Square in central Belgrade.
Originally, the protests aimed to prompt accountability from agencies overseeing the rule of law. However, as time has passed and with the government’s lack of response regarding the station’s collapse, protesters like Phillip Ubovic emphasize that it’s time to demand elections.
Ultimately, the wave of protests reflects a growing discontent with the current administration, along with a yearning for transparency and accountability in governance.
