Thousands of Serbs have gathered in Novi Sad to commemorate one year since a fatal railway station collapse, which has fueled anti-government sentiment and continues to threaten embattled President Aleksandar Vučić.
The student-led movement that organized the rally took to the streets Saturday morning at 11:52am, the exact time when the canopy at the newly renovated railway station collapsed, killing 16 people. The event was marked with a 16-minute silence and thousands of flowers and candles laid down near the damaged entrance.
The disaster sparked Serbia's largest youth-led movement since Slobodan Milošević fell in 2006. Initially, protesters demanded an investigation into the disaster but soon escalated their demands to criticize corruption and nepotism as well as call for early parliamentary elections set for 2027.
Many people marched from Novi Pazar 340km away to join the rally, with some arriving by bus or car. The journey took a symbolic 16 days to complete, mirroring the time of the disaster.
The people of Novi Sad greeted the marchers with whistles and flags, with one resident saying, "I came to bow to the strongest force in the world right now – our students, our youth."
Protesters have secured results, including the resignation of former prime minister Miloš Vučević. However, Vučić remains defiant, branding demonstrators as western-backed "terrorists." In a televised address on Friday, he apologized for his harsh rhetoric.
The government has declared Saturday a day of national mourning. Serbia's bid to join the EU is under threat due to Vučić's authoritarian rule and close ties with Russia and China. The EU commissioner for enlargement, Marta Kos, said the canopy tragedy is "changing Serbia," citing its impact on mass demand for accountability, free expression, and inclusive democracy.
Despite some violence during protests in August, they have largely remained peaceful. Thirteen people, including former construction minister Goran Vesić, are currently facing charges in a separate inquiry, while an EU-backed investigation into the possible misuse of EU funds is also ongoing.
The student-led movement that organized the rally took to the streets Saturday morning at 11:52am, the exact time when the canopy at the newly renovated railway station collapsed, killing 16 people. The event was marked with a 16-minute silence and thousands of flowers and candles laid down near the damaged entrance.
The disaster sparked Serbia's largest youth-led movement since Slobodan Milošević fell in 2006. Initially, protesters demanded an investigation into the disaster but soon escalated their demands to criticize corruption and nepotism as well as call for early parliamentary elections set for 2027.
Many people marched from Novi Pazar 340km away to join the rally, with some arriving by bus or car. The journey took a symbolic 16 days to complete, mirroring the time of the disaster.
The people of Novi Sad greeted the marchers with whistles and flags, with one resident saying, "I came to bow to the strongest force in the world right now – our students, our youth."
Protesters have secured results, including the resignation of former prime minister Miloš Vučević. However, Vučić remains defiant, branding demonstrators as western-backed "terrorists." In a televised address on Friday, he apologized for his harsh rhetoric.
The government has declared Saturday a day of national mourning. Serbia's bid to join the EU is under threat due to Vučić's authoritarian rule and close ties with Russia and China. The EU commissioner for enlargement, Marta Kos, said the canopy tragedy is "changing Serbia," citing its impact on mass demand for accountability, free expression, and inclusive democracy.
Despite some violence during protests in August, they have largely remained peaceful. Thirteen people, including former construction minister Goran Vesić, are currently facing charges in a separate inquiry, while an EU-backed investigation into the possible misuse of EU funds is also ongoing.
Honestly speaking, it's crazy how far this student-led movement has come in just one year. I think Aleksandar Vučić needs to take responsibility for his words, they're causing more harm than good 
. The EU commissioner's point about Serbia changing is so true, all these protests and movements are demanding for accountability and free expression. It's not fair that the gov't is blaming Western backers for the protests, we should be working together to create a better future for everyone 
. I'm glad to see most of the protests have remained peaceful, but it's also alarming that 13 people are facing charges 
. We need to keep pushing for change and make sure our voices are heard 
they're fighting for their rights and it's amazing to see them stand up for what they believe in 
but at the same time, I feel so sorry for President Vučić, he needs to apologize more sincerely 
for his harsh words towards the protesters, using terms like "terrorists" is so hurtful 
and it's not good for his image as a leader.
it's great to see people demanding accountability and free expression 
but we should also be careful that these protests don't turn violent or lead to any harm towards anyone 
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i mean what's up with that cliffhanger tho? anyway, back to this serbia thing... it's wild how a tragedy can spark such a huge movement 
i feel like we're living in a world where youth are making waves and demanding change 
i also saw those vids of protesters marching 340km from novi pazár and omg their determination is 
. The student-led movement has shown remarkable organization and determination, leveraging social media to mobilize a massive turnout at the one-year commemoration. Their demands for accountability, transparency, and reform are not only justified but also reflective of a broader desire for inclusive democracy 
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. As Marta Kos of the EU commissioner for enlargement so astutely observed, the canopy tragedy is indeed "changing Serbia," forcing it to confront its own authoritarian tendencies and the limits of Vučić's rule 
. Nevertheless, the protests have shown that there is still a strong desire for reform and accountability among Serbia's citizens. As the country navigates this critical juncture, it remains to be seen whether Vučić's rule will ultimately be challenged and dismantled 
1 year ago this tragedy happened at the railway station & now its just getting worse . The youth in Serbia r speaking out against corruption & Vučićs rule but hes still defiant & calling them terrorists 
. The fact that protesters have been able to secure results, like Miloš Vučević's resignation, shows that their movement is gaining momentum 
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. It's just so...telling.
They're standin' up for what they believe in and demandin' change. It's crazy to see how far those 340km marchers went just to show their support. The fact that the gov't is gettin' all defensive about it, like "we're not backin' terrorism", but still callin' 'em terrorists... umm, nope 
. Seeing thousands of students and youth come together to remember those who lost their lives at the railway station collapse gives me goosebumps 
. It's not just about the tragedy, but what it has sparked – a movement that demands accountability and change 
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. Serbia's bid to join the EU can't progress with authoritarian rule 
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. But one thing is for sure – the students of Novi Sad are not to be underestimated 
. They're showing us that even small actions can spark big changes 
. It's only fair that the government does something about it. But at the same time... I mean, what if the protests are just a bunch of kids being all entitled and demanding things they don't even deserve? 
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. Anyway, I think it's awesome that the students are taking matters into their own hands and demanding change 
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. And with 340km of marching from Novi Pazar to get there? That's dedication, man! 
. The fact that some former officials have resigned shows there's momentum behind these protests.
. It's like he's more concerned with maintaining power than actually listening to the people.
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