Information
Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, saw a massive protest on December 22, 2024, with approximately 29,000 people gathering to challenge President Aleksandar Vucic’s government. This demonstration followed seven weeks of sporadic protests across the nation, sparked by the Novi Sad railway station disaster in November, where a roof collapse killed 15 people. Protesters blamed the tragedy on government negligence, corruption, and poor construction work linked to Chinese state contractors. Though authorities arrested 13 individuals, including a government minister, public trust in the investigation was shaken after the minister’s release. Sunday’s protest was marked by a poignant 15-minute silence in honor of the victims, followed by a “half-hour noise” where participants used whistles and other loud items to amplify their message.
Led by students and supported by farmers’ unions, actors, and educators, the protest is one of the largest in recent years to challenge Vucic’s authority. Initially dismissive of the demonstrations, Vucic acknowledged the scale of Sunday’s gathering and expressed readiness to listen to the protesters’ demands. Meanwhile, the government has attempted to mitigate public anger by extending school holidays and promising subsidies for young people. However, critics argue that these measures fail to address systemic issues highlighted by the Novi Sad tragedy. The rally reflects mounting dissatisfaction with government policies, corruption, and perceived neglect, posing a significant challenge to Vucic’s administration.
Source: AP, AFP, Reuters
So what
Due to the size and range of supporters, it is unlikely that these protests are going to go away quietly. Though it is unlikely that they will turn violent, or lead to a change in government, it is possible that they will lead to changes in Serbian law. Additionally, it is possible that the government will conduct more arrests in stated “anti-corruption” probes, though these are likely designed to appease protesters.
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