In a striking departure from the customary New Year’s Eve revelry, tens of thousands of Serbian citizens gathered across the country, led by university students, to demand political reforms and justice. The protests, held in Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Nis, reflected widespread public anger following a deadly infrastructure collapse in November, which many attribute to corruption and negligence within the populist Serbian government.
The tragic event occurred on 1 November, when a concrete canopy at the central train station in Novi Sad collapsed, claiming the lives of 15 people. Public outrage has since grown, with the incident seen as emblematic of the systemic corruption and substandard construction practices under the administration of President Aleksandar Vucic.
A somber protest amid festive celebrations
Under the slogan “There is No New Year – You Still Owe Us for the Old One”, the protests in Belgrade were both solemn and determined. At 11:52 pm, the crowd fell silent for 15 minutes to honour the victims of the Novi Sad tragedy. Many participants held banners adorned with a red handprint, symbolising their claim that the government has “blood on its hands.”
Chants of “We Want Justice” echoed through the streets as the protesters marched past a state-sponsored concert, where crowds celebrated to the sound of folk music. Police erected barriers to prevent confrontation between the two groups, redirecting protesters to nearby streets. Despite freezing temperatures and heavy fog, the turnout was significant, with many braving the elements to support the student-led movement.
Broadening support for the movement
The protests have expanded beyond university students to include a wide array of societal groups such as professors, farmers, and actors. This growing coalition reflects mounting discontent with Vucic’s leadership, which critics describe as increasingly autocratic.
Parallel demonstrations in Novi Sad and Nis drew thousands more, reinforcing the nationwide scope of the movement. Organisers emphasised that their fight for justice transcends the festive season, showcasing their unwavering resolve to hold the government accountable.
Controversy surrounding the Belgrade waterfront project
Adding to the tension, the Serbian government held its own New Year celebrations in Belgrade’s city centre and the controversial Belgrade Waterfront neighbourhood, a high-rise development spearheaded by Vucic in partnership with UAE investors. The project has long been criticised as a symbol of crony capitalism and disregard for public interests.
While Belgrade has become a popular New Year’s Eve destination for tourists, with vibrant street parties and elaborate fireworks, this year’s festive atmosphere was overshadowed by the protests.
Limited accountability sparks further outrage
On Monday, Serbia’s public prosecutor indicted 13 individuals, including a former minister, in connection with the Novi Sad train station collapse. However, protesters argue that the charges are insufficient, as they fail to address alleged corruption linked to the station’s renovation—a project carried out as part of a broader deal with Chinese companies.
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The protesters maintain that justice requires a thorough investigation into the wider systemic issues that led to the tragedy, rather than limited charges against select individuals.
Vucic dismisses protests as baseless
President Vucic, speaking on pro-government Prva TV, dismissed the protests as lacking substance. “I have always been ready to talk,” he claimed. “I am asking them now, but they won’t talk to me. They have no arguments.”
Vucic also asserted that all student demands had been met, including the publication of requested documents. “The prosecutors fulfilled the last of their demands, and nothing happened,” he said, adding that he would not be ousted by street protests.
Growing momentum
The New Year’s Eve demonstration comes on the heels of one of the largest rallies in recent years, held just over a week earlier. The movement’s momentum appears to be growing, with the protesters’ calls for systemic change resonating across the country.
As Serbia enters the new year, the anti-government protests serve as a stark reminder of the simmering tensions and demands for reform in a nation grappling with corruption, injustice, and a leadership increasingly seen as out of touch with its people.
