Serbia rocked by anti-corruption protests after construction tragedy

Serbia has been rocked by mass protests for months as demonstrators demand justice and accountability following the tragic deaths of 15 people in the collapse of a railway station canopy. Tens of thousands of college students have taken to the streets, marching for nearly three months, calling for those responsible for the calamity to be held accountable and prosecuted.

The collapse of the canopy at the railway station on November 1, following renovations led by two Chinese companies, sparked outrage and grief across the country. In response to the ongoing protests, a general strike was called last week, with many people blocking major streets in Belgrade and occupying university campuses in solidarity with the young protesters.

Tanya Domi, a professor at Columbia University’s Harriman Institute, described the protests as unprecedented, saying, “I’ve worked in the Balkans for 30 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this.”

The pressure from the protests led to the resignation of Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and the mayor of Novi Sad, where the tragedy occurred. Despite these resignations, the demonstrations have continued to grow in strength and size.

Helena Ivanov, a senior fellow at the Henry Jackson Institute, emphasized that the protesters have clear objectives, including transparency about the events leading to the collapse and holding those responsible for the loss of life accountable.

The government’s response to the protests has been criticized, with accusations of evasion and downplaying of its culpability. Observers have pointed to systemic corruption within Serbia’s institutions as a contributing factor to the tragedy.

The resignation of the prime minister has left the government in a state of uncertainty, with the possibility of snap elections looming. President Aleksandar Vucic will make a decision on the country’s next steps within the next 10 days.

Serbia’s Foreign Minister, Marko Djuric, affirmed the country’s commitment to stability and growth, stating, “We are listening, we are learning, and we are determined to ensure that Serbia moves forward on its path of economic and democratic development.”

As the protests continue to gain momentum, the government faces a significant challenge to its rule. Students have distanced themselves from the opposition party, signaling that this movement is driven by the people and not by political factions.

Security forces have attempted to suppress the protests, further fueling tensions and driving more people to join the demonstrations. The situation remains fluid, with the outcome uncertain as the country grapples with the aftermath of the tragic events at the railway station.

In light of these developments, it is crucial for international actors, including the Trump administration, to closely monitor the situation in Serbia and ensure that the country’s democratic principles and rule of law are upheld. The protests represent a powerful expression of the people’s demand for accountability and justice, and it is essential that their voices are heard and respected.