On March 15, 2025, Serbia witnessed one of the largest anti-government protests in its history, with over 100,000 citizens gathering in Belgrade to demand accountability, transparency, and democratic reforms from President Aleksandar Vučić’s administration. The protests have sparked international attention and raised concerns about government corruption, civil liberties, and political stability in Serbia.
The Novi Sad Tragedy and Rising Discontent
The catalyst for these historic protests was the collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy on November 1, 2024, which resulted in 15 deaths and dozens of injuries. The disaster exposed alleged corruption and negligence in infrastructure projects, leading to widespread public outrage. Critics accuse the government of mismanaging public funds and ignoring safety regulations, while opposition leaders claim the tragedy was a direct result of unchecked corruption at the highest levels.
In the months leading up to the protest, frustration had been building due to economic instability, political repression, and media censorship. Opposition leaders, students, and civil society groups joined forces to mobilize the largest demonstration the country has seen in decades.
Key Demands of Protesters
Protesters, led by a coalition of student organizations, opposition parties, and human rights groups, presented several demands:
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Accountability for the Novi Sad disaster – They call for an independent investigation and the resignation of officials linked to the incident.
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Anti-corruption reforms – Protesters demand stricter oversight on government spending and public infrastructure projects.
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Media freedom – An end to government control over state media and guarantees for press independence.
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Democratic elections – The opposition seeks fair electoral processes amid claims that Vučić’s party has manipulated previous votes.
Government Response and Allegations of Repression
President Aleksandar Vučić acknowledged the protests but dismissed calls for immediate government changes, insisting that reforms should be pursued through democratic elections. However, tensions escalated when Serbian police deployed riot units and allegedly used force to disperse demonstrators.
There have also been allegations that authorities used a “sonic weapon” to break up the crowds. Eyewitnesses reported an intense, high-frequency noise that caused discomfort and disoriented protesters. The government has denied these claims, stating that only standard crowd-control measures were used.
International Reactions and Media Coverage
The protest has drawn international scrutiny, with the European Union and United Nations urging the Serbian government to respect the rights of peaceful demonstrators. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have condemned any alleged use of force against civilians and are calling for an independent review of police actions.
Major media outlets, including The Guardian, Reuters, and AP News, have covered the massive protests, highlighting Serbia’s ongoing struggles with political corruption and authoritarianism.
With the Vučić administration refusing to bow to public pressure, opposition leaders are planning continued demonstrations. Analysts predict that if the government fails to address the demands, Serbia could face prolonged political unrest in the coming months.
The March 15 protest represents a turning point in Serbian politics, as citizens push back against what they perceive as years of corruption and democratic backsliding. Whether the movement will force meaningful change or face government suppression remains to be seen.
As Serbia stands at a crossroads, the world watches closely. Will the government heed the calls for reform, or will these protests mark the beginning of a larger struggle for democracy in the region? With tensions still high, the events in Belgrade are far from over.