Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Hundreds of thousands of protesters flooded the streets of Belgrade on Saturday (March 15) in one of the largest anti-corruption demonstrations seen in Serbia. The mass protests take place in Belgrade marks the peak of the demonstrations which have been ongoing for more than four months in Serbia.
Originally started as a student-led movement, the actions have since grown into a major political challenge for President Aleksandar Vucic, whose 11-year rule has been increasingly viewed as authoritarian.
Public frustration with government corruption has fueled the protests, which gained momentum following a construction disaster in Novi Sad in November 2024. The roof collapse at Novi Sad Station killed 15 people, triggering outrage over alleged corruption and poor oversight in state-funded construction projects.
“This is not just about one incident. Corruption is everywhere, and it’s destroying our future,” a protester told, as reported by AFP.
Tensions escalated ahead of the mass protests after Vucic warned of alleged attempts to overthrow him through violence, calling the demonstrations an “imported revolution.”
Mass Protest
According to The Guardian, the mass demonstrations drew a divided crowd, with pro-government supporters clashing verbally with anti-government protesters.
Security sources estimated the total number of protesters exceeded 100,000, with participants ranging from students and teachers to farmers. However, Serbia’s General Assembly Archives reported a significantly higher turnout, estimating between 275,000 and 325,000 demonstrators took to the streets.
For weeks, students have organized protests across Serbia, including in rural areas that have historically been strongholds of support for Vucic’s government.
Demand For Transparency
The protests, largely led by students, demand full transparency and accountability over the collapse of a newly renovated concrete and glass canopy at Novi Sad Station.
Demonstrators are calling on the government to release all documentation related to the renovation project, arguing that the information disclosed so far has been inadequate. They also want those responsible for the disaster to be prosecuted and punished.
So far, prosecutors have indicted at least 16 individuals, including former Construction Minister Goran Vesic. But for many protesters, that is not enough. The students vow to continue demonstrating until their demands are fully met.
“We just want a country that works,” said law student Jana Vasic amid the growing crowd in Belgrade, reported by BBC. “We want institutions that do their jobs properly, Don’t care what party is in power. But we need a country that works, one where justice doesn’t take more than four months.”
Read Also:
Indonesian Students Stage Nationwide Protests Titled ‘Indonesia Gelap’, Here’s the 13 Key Demands
Pressure Mounts on Vucic
The four-month-long protests have placed significant pressure on Serbia’s government. Several top officials, including the Prime Minister, resigned last month in response to the growing unrest.
However, the real power in Serbia remains with Vucic, who has made it clear he has no intention of stepping down. “I will not give in to blackmail. I will not allow the streets to dictate a terrible future for this country,” Vucic declared.
Instead, he has accused opposition parties of fueling the protests, insisting that he will not be defeated by what he describes as a covert attack on his leadership.
The mass protests has caused significant impact on political landscape in Serbia. As tensions continue to rise, Serbia faces a pivotal moment that could determine the country’s political future.
(Raidi/Agung)
