Nis: Tens of thousands gathered in the southern Serbian town of Niš on Saturday to commemorate victims of a deadly railway station collapse and to take part in a student-led protest that has become the most significant challenge to President Aleksandar Vučić’s rule.
The demonstrations have gained momentum since November, when a newly renovated train station in Novi Sad—Serbia’s second-largest city—suffered a catastrophic roof collapse, killing 15 people. Many Serbians attribute the tragedy to corruption, which they link to Vučić’s decade in power. Initially led by students, the protests have since drawn broad support from teachers, farmers, and other workers, evolving into a nationwide movement.
Demands for Accountability
At precisely 11:52 a.m.—the time of the collapse on November 1—thousands observed a moment of silence in Niš to honor the victims.
“This is the way to make a revolution,” said Tarek, a 22-year-old graphic designer from Novi Pazar. “It’s the right way to achieve change, to create a better future, a functional state without corruption.”
The protests, which began in December with university students blocking classes, have now expanded significantly. Hundreds of students marched to Niš, joined by approximately 1,500 motorcyclists. Among the demonstrators were Anja and Ana, two 20-year-old students who walked 130 kilometers (80 miles) from Bor to Niš.
“Walking to Niš, I think we managed to wake up Serbia,” Anja said. “This is not the society we want to live in. We want a better future.”
Government Response and Escalating Tensions
The protests have already led to political resignations, with Prime Minister Miloš Vučević and two other ministers stepping down. Meanwhile, prosecutors have charged 13 individuals in connection with the roof collapse.
However, students continue to demand further action, including the release of all official documents related to the incident, prosecution of those responsible, dismissal of charges against protesting students, and increased funding for higher education.
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Amid the growing unrest, Vučić has attempted to rally support by touring eastern Serbia and meeting with farmers and local communities. “There will be no color revolution,” he declared during a visit to the town of Majdanpek.
On Friday, Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin accused Western intelligence agencies of orchestrating the protests to instigate a so-called “color revolution,” referencing the mass uprisings that have reshaped former Soviet states.
As demonstrations continue to spread across the country, the movement shows no signs of slowing, leaving Serbia’s leadership under mounting pressure.
