In Serbia, anti-corruption protests have persisted for nearly three months following the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, who was hand-picked by President Aleksander Vucic. The protests were sparked by a tragic incident on November 1 when a concrete canopy collapsed at Novi Sad's central railway station, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals.
The demonstrations, which have grown in size and intensity, reflect widespread discontent with Vucic's authoritarian rule and a demand for greater transparency in government operations, particularly concerning large infrastructure projects involving Chinese state companies. Critics have raised concerns about corruption, poor oversight, and substandard construction practices.
Protesters, including university students, professors, doctors, actors, and farmers, have been calling for political change and accountability. They have organized rallies, traffic blockades, and symbolic gestures such as leaving red handprints on government buildings to symbolize the bloodshed in the railway station collapse.
The protesters are demanding full transparency regarding the causes of the tragedy and accountability for those responsible. While some documents related to the collapse have been declassified, there are lingering doubts about the independence and effectiveness of the investigation.
President Vucic has faced criticism for his handling of the situation and has been accused of downplaying the severity of the incident. Despite promises to engage in dialogue with the protesters, student leaders have rejected his overtures, emphasizing the need for the rule of law to be upheld.
Foreign powers have taken varying stances on the protests, with Russia and China supporting Vucic's government and alleging Western interference, while the European Union has remained largely silent. The United States has expressed a commitment to upholding the rule of law and has emphasized the importance of peaceful protest.
The ongoing demonstrations in Serbia underscore the deep-seated grievances of the population and the growing demand for accountability and transparency in governance.
