Mass Protests in Serbia Challenge Vucic’s Grip on Power

Mass Protests in Serbia Challenge Vucic’s Grip on Power \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ More than 100,000 people flooded the streets of Belgrade on Saturday in a massive anti-government protest against Serbia’s populist President Aleksandar Vucic. The demonstration, part of a months-long movement against corruption and mismanagement, followed a tragic train station collapse in November that killed 15 people. Protesters demanded accountability, accusing the government of corruption and negligence. Despite Vucic’s warnings of unrest and heavy police presence, the rally remained largely peaceful, marking one of the largest demonstrations in Serbia’s history.

Serbia’s Largest Protest in Years – Quick Looks

• Over 100,000 people marched in Belgrade, demanding accountability from President Vucic’s government.
• Protests erupted after a train station collapse in November killed 15 people, fueling anti-corruption outrage.
• Crowds gathered in downtown Belgrade, blocking streets and public transport.
• Serbian police reported 107,000 attendees, though independent media estimated higher numbers.
• Protesters observed a 15-minute silence in honor of the 15 victims.
• University students led the movement, gaining widespread public support.
• Tensions escalated with police detaining 13 people, including six opposition activists.
• Vucic accused Western intelligence of backing protests, but provided no evidence.
• Government supporters camped outside Vucic’s headquarters, some linked to violent paramilitary groups.
• Authorities blocked train and bus routes to limit protest turnout.

Deep Look

A historic anti-government protest shook Belgrade on Saturday, as over 100,000 people took to the streets in what has been called the largest demonstration in Serbia’s recent history. The protest, part of a months-long movement against President Aleksandar Vucic and his administration, was sparked by a deadly train station collapse in November that killed 15 people.

Public outrage over corruption and mismanagement has fueled near-daily protests for months, culminating in this massive demonstration demanding government accountability. The event, called “15 for 15”, referenced both the number of victims in the Novi Sad accident and the date of the rally.

Despite Vucic’s claims of foreign interference, police crackdowns, and attempts to suppress turnout, the demonstration remained largely peaceful. The scale of the protest has raised questions about Vucic’s grip on power, with many viewing it as the biggest challenge to his leadership in 13 years.

How the Protests Began: A Deadly Train Station Collapse Sparked a Movement

Public frustration with government corruption and mismanagement has been brewing for years in Serbia, but the turning point came on November 1, 2023.

• A concrete canopy at a newly renovated train station in Novi Sad collapsed, killing 15 people and injuring many more.
• Investigations revealed serious lapses in safety regulations, with reports that substandard materials and rushed construction contributed to the disaster.
• Many Serbians blamed the tragedy on the government’s widespread corruption, particularly its failure to enforce construction safety laws.

The disaster sparked immediate protests, which grew in intensity over the following months.

• Students took the lead, organizing mass demonstrations against government negligence.
• The protests quickly expanded beyond the train station collapse, turning into a larger movement against Vucic’s rule.
• Protesters accused Vucic of fostering a corrupt system, where business deals and infrastructure projects are handed to political allies with little oversight.

By February, the movement had evolved into a national campaign against corruption, political repression, and government control over the media.

Saturday’s Protest: Belgrade Overwhelmed by Demonstrators

On March 15, hundreds of thousands of Serbians flooded the streets of Belgrade, transforming the capital into a sea of protesters.

• Public transportation was suspended, as protesters clogged every major street leading to the city center.
• Police estimated 107,000 attendees, but independent media reported numbers far higher, calling it the biggest protest in Serbia’s history.
• Banners reading “He’s Finished!” and chants of “Pump it Up” filled the air, a slogan that became the rallying cry of the student-led movement.
• At exactly 8:00 PM, the crowd fell silent for 15 minutes, honoring the 15 lives lost in Novi Sad.

Despite Vucic’s warnings of violence and chaos, the protest remained overwhelmingly peaceful. However, tensions ran high as security forces monitored the demonstration.

“I expect this will shake Vucic’s authority. People are no longer with him,” said protester Milenko Kovacevic.

Vucic’s Response: Repression, Arrests, and Conspiracy Theories

President Vucic has rejected calls for reform and responded to the protests with accusations of foreign interference and police crackdowns.

Mass Arrests & Police Intimidation

• 13 people were arrested the night before the protest, including six opposition activists accused of “plotting a coup.”
• A driver rammed his car into protesters, injuring three people, raising concerns about escalating tensions.
• Police heavily guarded government buildings, as authorities feared clashes between protesters and pro-Vucic supporters.

Blocking Protesters from Reaching Belgrade

In an attempt to suppress turnout, the government canceled several train and bus routes into the capital.

• Railway and bus links to Belgrade were suddenly suspended, with authorities citing “security concerns.”
• Reports emerged that Serbian border officials blocked journalists from Croatia and Slovenia, claiming their presence “posed a security risk.”

Accusations of Western Involvement

Vucic has repeatedly claimed that Western intelligence agencies are behind the protests, suggesting that foreign powers are trying to destabilize Serbia.

• He has offered no evidence for these claims, but state-controlled media have echoed his conspiracy theories.
• Vucic has dismissed demands for a transitional government, saying that Serbia will not be pressured by foreign-backed activists.

Government-Backed Counter-Protests

In an unusual move, Vucic’s supporters camped outside his headquarters, vowing to “defend him from a coup.”

• Among them were ex-members of a notorious paramilitary unit, once involved in the 2003 assassination of Serbia’s first democratic prime minister, Zoran Djindjic.
• Private Serbian media broadcast footage of pro-Vucic groups arriving in Belgrade, some wearing matching baseball caps, sparking fears that hired agitators could incite violence.

The Role of Students in Serbia’s Protest Movement

University students have emerged as the driving force behind the anti-corruption movement, drawing comparisons to pro-democracy protests of the 1990s.

• Student organizers have maintained a nonviolent approach, resisting calls for aggressive action.
• The massive student-led marches have inspired wider public participation, as many Serbians feel alienated from traditional political parties.
• On Friday night, tens of thousands of Belgrade residents lined the streets to welcome students who had marched or cycled into the city from across Serbia.

“This is just the beginning of the end. I hope this process will conclude soon,” said protester Dejan Simic.

What Happens Next? The Future of Serbia’s Anti-Government Movement

While Saturday’s protest was historic, it remains unclear whether it will force real change.

• Vucic has shown no signs of stepping down, and his control over state institutions and media remains strong.
• Protesters vowed to continue demonstrating, with more mass rallies planned in the coming weeks.
• The international community is watching closely, as concerns rise over potential government repression.

Will Vucic Hold Early Elections?

The opposition has demanded a transitional government to prepare for early elections, but Vucic has rejected this outright.

• Many fear that Vucic could escalate crackdowns, using his control over law enforcement and security forces to maintain power.
• Some analysts believe the protests could pressure Vucic into calling snap elections, though only under conditions that favor him.

Could This Be Serbia’s Turning Point?

The sheer size of the protests suggests a growing resistance to Vucic’s rule, but Serbia’s political landscape remains highly uncertain.

“For the first time in years, people believe change is possible,” said one activist. “This isn’t just about corruption. It’s about the future of Serbia.”

As protests continue, the coming weeks will determine whether this movement can sustain its momentum—or if Vucic’s hold on power remains unshaken.

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