Serbia: Public outrage on show in historic Belgrade protest

DW ^ | 03 16 2025 | Sanja Kljajic

[yesthatjallen]

For two days, citizens poured into Belgrade for the largest protest in modern Serbian history. This occurred despite authorities' efforts to obstruct the demonstrations by halting public transportation.

Thousands of students walked into the capital, spreading messages of solidarity through smaller towns along the way. The city's streets were packed, with people occupying several key locations.

"I came for my child, for my son, so that his future can be better," a young man told DW.

Police estimated a peak turnout of 107,000. Arhiv javnih skupova (Archive of Public Gatherings), an NGO which tracks mass gatherings, reported between 275,000 and 325,000 demonstrators — possibly more. A broader fight against systemic corruption

The protest was initially organized by students, who have been blockading most state universities for over three months. Professors, teachers, health care workers, lawyers, IT professionals, war veterans, bikers and farmers supported the students' call — the farmers arriving on tractors.

"We're here to support these brave young people, people who just want to live in a country where the rule of law works, nothing more," an elderly protester said.

The students primarily demand accountability for the canopy collapse at the Novi Sad railway station in northern Serbia that killed 15 people in November.

However, the broader public outrage over systemic corruption is directed toward the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and President Aleksandar Vucic. Protesters accuse Vucic of consolidating power and dismantling institutions.

SNIP

[BobL]

EU “Regime Change” operation...obviously.

[If You Want It Fixed - Fix It]

Folks are HOT. Better do something before stuff starts cooking off.

Only corrupt politicians could wait so long.