The collapse of a concrete awning at a train station in Novi Sad, Serbia, nearly two months ago resulted in the deaths of 15 people, sparking daily street protests demanding accountability. University students, citizens, and high school students organized protest actions across the country to honour the victims of the tragedy. The collapse occurred on 1 November at the recently renovated Novi Sad train station, leading to widespread anger and discontent within Serbian society. Many blame the incident on corruption and poor construction work on the railway station building, which had been renovated twice in recent years as part of questionable mega projects involving Chinese state companies.
Following the tragic incident, Serbian university students have been actively participating in protests by leaving piles of old school books outside the Education Ministry building. Traffic blockades have also been organized in various locations throughout Serbia at 11:52 am, the exact time of the collapse, lasting 15 minutes in remembrance of the 15 victims. These protests have been ongoing since the incident occurred, with participants expressing their frustration not only at the accident itself but also at the government of populist President Aleksandar Vučić. The movement criticizes the government’s response to the tragedy and calls for greater transparency and accountability in the investigation.
In response to the protests, prosecutors have arrested 13 individuals, including a government minister, in connection with the collapse. However, the release of the minister has raised public skepticism about the integrity of the investigation. The ongoing street protests, led by university students, have mobilized tens of thousands of people in Serbia, challenging the authority of President Vučić’s government. The protesters aim to hold the government accountable for the tragic incident at the Novi Sad train station and to demand justice for the victims and their families.
The persistent protests in Serbia reflect a broader discontent with the current government’s leadership and policies. Citizens are expressing their frustration with corruption, lack of accountability, and the perceived ineffective management of public projects. The movement symbol, a red handprint representing the blood on the hands of the authorities, has garnered support from various sectors of society, including actors, farmers, and others who share the protesters’ concerns. The protests highlight the growing dissatisfaction with Vučić’s administration and the desire for a more transparent and responsible governance.
The demonstrations in Serbia have sparked a national conversation about the need for greater oversight and accountability in public infrastructure projects. The tragedy at the Novi Sad train station has exposed the risks of corruption and negligence in construction and renovation projects, prompting calls for stricter regulations and monitoring. The protesters are demanding justice for the victims of the collapse and seeking to prevent similar incidents in the future. The movement represents a unified front against government corruption and inefficiency, with diverse segments of society coming together to demand change and hold those in power accountable for their actions.
Overall, the street protests in Serbia in response to the collapse of the concrete awning at the Novi Sad train station have evolved into a larger movement challenging government corruption and demanding accountability. The demonstrations, led by university students, have brought together citizens from various backgrounds to express their discontent with the current administration’s handling of the tragedy. The protesters are seeking justice for the victims, transparency in the investigation, and systemic changes to prevent similar incidents in the future. The movement reflects a growing frustration with corruption and inefficiency in public projects and a desire for a more accountable and responsible governance in Serbia.
