People In Serbia Are Holding Some Of Its Largest Protests Against Corruption And Calling For Early Elections
Protesters filled the city’s central Slavija Square, carrying Serbian flags and chanting “Students win.”
Hundreds of thousands of people across Serbia are holding some of the country’s largest demonstrations in years against corruption and demanding early elections.
The student-led demonstrations began in November 2024 after the canopy roof of a railway station collapsed in the northern Serbian city of Novi Sad, killing 16 people between the ages of six and 74.
The tragedy became a symbol of public anger over alleged corruption, government negligence and concerns surrounding the station’s renovation work.
Protesters have argued the collapse happened because of “sloppy renovation work” linked to government corruption after the station underwent reconstruction involving Chinese state-backed companies.
University students first organized silent vigils and 15-minute traffic blockades to honor the victims before the demonstrations evolved into a wider anti-corruption movement.
The protests have since spread across Serbia, with students occupying universities and organizing marches across the country over the past year.
The movement has since grew into a nationwide protest movement, with support from professors, lawyers and farmers, accusing president Aleksandar Vučić’s government of democratic backsliding, intimidation of journalists and protecting political allies from accountability.
In January 2025, the protests forced Serbian prime minister Miloš Vučević to resign
On Saturday, May 23, massive crowds gathered in the Serbian capital Belgrade as a student-led anti-government movement intensified pressure on Vučić, who has ruled the Balkan country for more than a decade.
Protest organizers claim the Belgrade rally on May 23 had about 200,000 people, while Serbian police estimated attendance at around 36,000.
Protesters filled the city’s central Slavija Square, carrying Serbian flags and chanting “Students win.”
Violent clashes broke out between protesters and riot police near government buildings and a pro-government encampment outside Serbia’s presidency building.
Police also used tear gas and stun grenades after some allegedly demonstrators threw flares, fireworks and bottles, according to Sky News.
“The system must change,” one protester told AP News. “This is not just about the canopy anymore.”
"Whether you are on the left or the right, know that the students are winning,” student representative Andrej Tanko said. “The elections ahead of us are our chance to finally fulfil our promise: an honest government, freedom and a dignified life."
Vučić said that early elections could be held between September and November this year — though he has not committed to a date.
Yoyo Chang
Sofia Hou
Sofia Hou
