Serbia is experiencing one of its largest anti-government demonstrations in recent history as tens of thousands of protesters take to the streets in Belgrade and other major cities. The protests, which erupted on March 15, 2025, reflect growing frustration with President Aleksandar Vučić’s administration, particularly over allegations of corruption and governance failures. What initially started as a movement led by university students has quickly grown into a nationwide outcry, bringing together a diverse range of participants, including educators, agricultural workers, opposition political leaders, and civil society activists. The scale of these demonstrations underscores deep-rooted grievances about the state of democracy and governance in Serbia.
Belgrade is the world today.
This is by far the largest protest in Serbia’s history 🇷🇸 pic.twitter.com/3BFYP61cWf
The catalyst for the protests was the tragic collapse of a railway station roof in Novi Sad on November 1, 2024, which resulted in 15 deaths. Many believe this disaster was preventable and attribute it to systemic corruption, mismanagement, and government negligence. The outrage sparked by this incident quickly evolved into a broader movement, with demonstrators voicing concerns over deteriorating democratic freedoms, lack of government transparency, and economic struggles that have left many Serbians feeling abandoned by their leadership. Protesters are demanding concrete action against corruption, greater accountability from the government, and meaningful reforms that will improve the lives of everyday citizens.
President Vučić has responded by dismissing the protests as an orchestrated attempt by foreign entities to destabilize the country, although he has not provided any evidence to substantiate these claims. In an apparent effort to ease tensions, Vučić accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević, a move that some see as an attempt to shift blame rather than address the protesters' core demands. Meanwhile, there are growing concerns over how the government will handle the situation, with reports that authorities may escalate security measures and begin making arrests to quell the unrest. The possibility of a heavy-handed response has only intensified fears that Serbia’s democratic institutions are under threat.
The international community is closely watching the developments in Serbia. Both the European Union and the United Nations have urged the Serbian government to respect the people's right to peaceful assembly and have called for restraint in handling the protests. Human rights organizations have also raised alarms over potential police violence and suppression of free speech. Given Serbia’s aspirations for closer ties with the EU, how the government navigates this crisis could have long-term implications for its global standing and diplomatic relationships.
As the protests continue to grow, it remains uncertain how the government will respond in the coming days. Demonstrators are showing no signs of backing down, and their demands for political reforms, transparency, and accountability are gaining momentum. Whether Vučić’s administration will make further concessions or tighten its grip on power remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—this movement has ignited a powerful call for change in Serbia.