Belgrade sees historic anti-government protest as 100,000 rally against leadership

Serbia‘s capital, Belgrade, witnessed a massive wave of protests on Saturday as more than 100,000 demonstrators took to the streets in what has become one of the largest anti-government rallies in the country’s history. The movement, which initially emerged in response to the Novi Sad disaster, has now transformed into a broader demand for government accountability and transparency.

The protests erupted following the November 2024 railway station roof collapse in Novi Sad, which left 15 people dead and raised serious concerns about the government’s handling of public safety and infrastructure projects. Critics argue that the tragedy was not an isolated event but rather a symptom of widespread corruption and negligence within the administration of President Aleksandar Vucic, who has been in power for over a decade.

While the government has dismissed allegations of mismanagement and graft, protesters insist that Serbia’s leadership must be held responsible for what they see as a failure to ensure public safety. The movement has gained momentum over the past several months, drawing support from students, workers, farmers, and academics, all demanding greater accountability.

How Did the Novi Sad Disaster Spark a Nationwide Protest?

The Novi Sad disaster served as a catalyst for public frustration, igniting one of the most intense waves of anti-government sentiment Serbia has seen in recent years. The collapse of the railway station roof, which occurred in the heart of Serbia’s second-largest city, left many questioning the quality of state-funded infrastructure projects and the transparency of government contracts.

Authorities have since charged 13 individuals in connection with the disaster, but protesters argue that these arrests do not address the root causes of systemic corruption. Many believe that the tragedy reflects a deeper pattern of negligence, with accusations that public funds have been mismanaged and safety regulations ignored.

The student-led movement has demanded full disclosure of government documents related to the railway station project, along with the resignation of key officials involved. The Belgrade protests 2025 have since expanded to include broader demands for judicial reforms, freedom of the press, and an end to political intimidation.

What Role Are Students Playing in the Belgrade Protests?

University students have emerged as a driving force behind the protests, organizing rallies and setting up security patrols to maintain order. Dressed in fluorescent yellow vests, student volunteers have acted as a buffer between demonstrators and riot police, ensuring the safety of those participating in the movement.

Their demands go beyond the Novi Sad disaster, with calls for academic freedom, an end to political interference in universities, and greater support for young professionals in Serbia. Many students fear that government policies are stifling opportunities and driving young talent out of the country, exacerbating Serbia’s ongoing brain drain crisis.

One student activist addressing the crowd declared, “We refuse to be deprived of our future. This is a fight for a just and transparent society.” The slogan has since become a rallying cry, chanted by thousands marching through Belgrade’s city center.

How Has the Serbian Government Responded?

In response to the escalating protests, the government has maintained a defensive stance, rejecting claims of corruption while asserting that foreign intelligence agencies are working to destabilize Serbia. President Vucic’s administration has accused Western influences of fueling the demonstrations, a claim that opposition leaders and protesters strongly deny.

Despite these denials, the growing public outcry has already forced Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and two cabinet ministers to step down, signaling political turmoil within the ruling party. However, Vucic himself has remained steadfast, warning that “chaos and disorder will not be tolerated.”

The protests have remained largely peaceful, but violent clashes have been reported. Police confirmed that a car rammed into a column of demonstrators, injuring three people in a Belgrade suburb. In a separate incident, a university lecturer and a student were attacked by unidentified individuals in the city center.

Authorities have arrested 13 people in connection with the overnight violence, including three men accused of vandalizing tractors belonging to pro-Vucic farmers who have been camping near Pionirski Park in support of the government.

What Is the Atmosphere Like in the Streets of Belgrade?

Despite the underlying tensions, many demonstrators have maintained a festive yet defiant atmosphere, filling the streets with songs, flares, and banners. Protesters have gathered between the parliament building and Slavija Square, chanting slogans such as “Pump it up!”, which has become a symbol of resistance.

In a show of solidarity, elite military veterans in maroon berets and motorcycle groups have lined the streets, offering protection to student activists and other demonstrators. Many Belgrade residents have also joined the movement, providing food, warm drinks, and shelter to those who have traveled long distances to take part in the rallies.

Local businesses and families have set up makeshift support stations, with elderly residents distributing homemade baked goods to students, reinforcing the sense that the protests have become a nationwide movement for change.

Will the Protests Lead to Political Change?

While the protests have undeniably placed immense pressure on Vucic’s government, it remains unclear whether they will translate into significant political reform. Protesters have called for a nationwide general strike, but previous efforts to mobilize public service workers and the private sector have struggled to gain widespread traction.

Despite this, the Belgrade protests 2025 represent a historic moment for Serbia, with many viewing them as a turning point in the country’s political landscape. The unprecedented scale of the movement has demonstrated a growing willingness among Serbians to challenge their government and demand reform.

As the demonstrations continue, analysts predict that the government will face increasing difficulty in suppressing dissent. With key resignations already taking place and international scrutiny mounting, Serbia’s political future remains uncertain.

Whether or not Vucic’s administration can weather the storm, the sheer scale of these protests has already reshaped the conversation about governance, corruption, and the future direction of the country.