BELGRADE — A remarkable scene unfolded in the capital of Serbia as tens of thousands of demonstrators converged on the streets of Belgrade on Saturday, defying inclement weather characterized by steady rain and unseasonably humid conditions. This massive turnout reflects the escalating anti-government sentiment that has been brewing for months, aimed squarely at Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
“Fear has changed sides in Serbia,” asserted Dinko Gruhonjić, a professor from Novi Sad and an early advocate of the protests, emphasizing a significant shift in public sentiment. “The protests have shown that average citizens are not afraid anymore. Now they see fear in the eyes of the government,” he added.
The origins of the unrest
The catalyst for these protests dates back to last November when a tragic incident occurred at the main railway station in Novi Sad. A portion of the station’s canopy collapsed, tragically killing 14 individuals, including young children aged 9 and 5. Another victim later succumbed to their injuries, while many others faced severe injuries requiring amputations.
What initially began as solemn 15-minute vigils, one for each lost life, has now transformed into the largest protest movement in Serbia’s recent history. This expansion has been fueled by growing public outrage over government negligence, with demonstrators linking the collapse to inadequate renovations at the station.
“While people were aware of corruption and criminality in the government before, the fact that corruption can lead to us indiscriminately being killed is what has set this off,” Gruhonjić explained.
A unified front against authority
In a show of solidarity, students from universities and high schools began boycotting classes in late November and December as a form of protest. Entire academic faculties declared their campuses “occupied,” as students organized themselves to live on-site in a demonstration of unity and resistance.
During Saturday’s rally, an unnamed protester, part of the movement’s intentionally leaderless structure, energized the crowd with the chant, “Look how many of us are here! Your voice counts! Let’s wake up Serbia together!” The atmosphere was predominantly peaceful, despite a reported incident in which a man injured three protesters by driving his car into them in a Belgrade neighborhood.
As families traveled from across Serbia to join the protest, a palpable sense of optimism and collective identity permeated the gathering. Many demonstrators displayed their callused feet, symbolizing their determination and commitment to the cause.
Initially, the government’s response was measured, avoiding overt crackdowns. However, a series of violent encounters and attacks on protesters over the preceding months has heightened tensions. Protesters allege that these confrontations were instigated by masked individuals acting on behalf of the government.
In response to the protests, several ministers from the ruling Serbian Progressive Party, including Prime Minister Miloš Vučević, offered their resignations but simultaneously accused the demonstrators of attempting to destabilize the government.
Parliament Speaker and former Prime Minister Ana Brnabić went so far as to accuse students and professors of “instigating a coup d’état and civil war in the Republic of Serbia” in a recent statement.
President Vučić has vowed that those responsible for the tragic collapse will be held accountable, asserting that it was likely due to “a professional error” rather than corruption. He also suggested that the protests resemble a “color revolution” funded by international organizations and foreign governments, a narrative echoed by leaders like Viktor Orban in Hungary and Robert Fico in Slovakia facing similar protests.
Meanwhile, pro-government students have established a significant presence in Belgrade’s main park, located between the parliament and presidential buildings, rallying under the slogan “Students want to study.” Their camp, heavily guarded by armed police and surrounded by anti-riot barricades, has become a focal point amidst the ongoing unrest.
As the protests continue, demonstrators maintain their determination, chanting “Pump it!” — or “pumpaj” in Serbian — a unifying rallying cry signaling that no matter how many are arrested or obstructed, the spirit of resistance will endure.