On Saturday, Serbia's capital witnessed an unprecedented gathering as hundreds of thousands protested against the government following a tragic railway station collapse that claimed 15 lives. While official figures from the government estimated the crowd at 107,000, an independent observer reported that over 325,000 people participated, marking it as the largest demonstration in Serbia's history.
The collapse in Novi Sad last November has fueled public outrage towards the government and President Aleksandar Vucic. Protesters attribute the disaster to corruption and negligence, pointing to over a decade of governance by Vucic's Progressive Party, which was closely linked to the station's recent renovation.
In a national address, President Vucic commended the police and expressed pride in maintaining peace. He acknowledged the protesters' concerns, stating, "we will have to change ourselves." Despite several resignations and Vucic's firm stance on retaining his position, the protests have only intensified.
Jana Vasic, a law student, voiced the crowd's sentiments, emphasizing the need for functional institutions and justice. The "15th for 15" protest filled Republic Square and other key locations in Belgrade, with participants gathering from various sectors, including students, taxi drivers, farmers, and lawyers.
The Public Meeting Archive estimated the turnout between 275,000 and 325,000, noting the difficulty in precise counting due to the event's scale and complexity. Reports indicated 22 arrests and 56 injuries during the protest.
The protests, initially sparked by students, have expanded to include diverse groups. Ahead of the main event, motorbike riders and military veterans joined the demonstrators, pledging to protect students from any harm.
The students demand full transparency regarding the station's renovation and accountability for the disaster. Although prosecutors have charged at least 16 individuals, including a former construction minister, the case has yet to proceed to trial. The students remain steadfast in their demands for justice.
Despite some political resignations, the students argue that their demands remain unmet. Prime Minister Milos Vucevic announced his resignation, yet it awaits ratification, leaving him in office. Vucic, holding significant power, refuses to step down, dismissing the protests as blackmail.
Vucic criticized opposition parties, accusing them of seeking to establish a "fraudulent interim government." Opposition leader Borko Stefanovic advocates for a "government of experts" as a solution to the political crisis, aiming for fair elections, which he claims are currently hindered by the ruling party's control over media and institutions.
The students, however, focus solely on uncovering the truth behind the Novi Sad incident. Law professor Miodrag Jovanovic highlights their demands for rule of law and accountability. As the "15th for 15" protest unfolds, it seems the students will persist until they achieve meaningful answers.