Anti-government protests in Serbia continue to gain momentum, fuelled by public outrage over government corruption and mismanagement. The demonstrations erupted following the collapse of a newly built roof at the Novi Sad railway station on November 1, which killed 15 people.

The resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic nearly ten days ago has failed to appease protesters, who march daily demanding accountability. Their defining symbol: a bloody palm, representing their anger and grief.

Students Lead the Movement, Joined by Teachers and Farmers

The protests are led by students, with teachers and farmers joining them in Tuesday’s mass demonstration in Kragujevac, Serbia’s fourth-largest city. Thousands of protesters waved banners and blew whistles, expressing their frustration with the government.

Among them was Marija Greno, who told Reuters:

“The only way to defuse the situation is for the government to back down step by step. President Vucic is facing an unprecedented crisis—he has the people rising up against him.”

What began as a reaction to the Novi Sad roof collapse has evolved into a nationwide movement. Over the past three months, the protests have spread across the country, gaining momentum with each passing day.

“Laws and Rules Exist Only on Paper”

Protester Branko Jovanovic emphasized that Serbia’s problems go beyond this tragedy:

“For 12 to 13 years, we have seen increasing issues with centralized power. It is naive to expect quick solutions, but we will persist. Corruption and the collapse of institutions won’t disappear overnight, but we are ready for a long fight.”

Serbian prosecutors have indicted 13 people in connection with the Novi Sad disaster, but protesters and opposition leaders blame systemic corruption. They allege that bribery allowed the rushed, substandard construction of the railway station’s shelter, with no proper oversight or adherence to safety regulations.

Pressure Mounts on President Vucic

As protests escalate, pressure on President Aleksandar Vucic grows. On Wednesday, hundreds of pensioners rallied in Belgrade, standing in solidarity with the students. Among them was Dusanka Novakovic, who criticized the government’s failure to uphold the law:

“In Serbia, laws and rules exist only on paper. They are not enforced.”

With no signs of protest fatigue, the Serbian government faces one of its most significant challenges yet.