Belgrade (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic on January 28, 2025, announced his resignation as anti-corruption demonstrations spread across the country.
I opted for this step in order to reduce tensions,
Vucevic briefed a news conference, affirming his intent to resign.
He stated the mayor of Novi Sad will also resign.
With this, we have met all demands of the most radical protestors.
Prime Minister has been the leader of the ruling centre-right Serbia Progressive Party since 2023.
How did the Novi Sad tragedy spark anti-corruption protests?
Since the tragic collapse of a canopy at a railway station in Novi Sad in November 2024, where 15 people lost their lives, Serbia has seen a wave of daily anti-government protests. The reasons for these demonstrations were fueled by general accusations of corruption and negligence from the government towards the incident.
They began as vigils to commemorate the people killed by the falling canopy but soon transformed into huge processions demanding responsibility from the government. The protesters blamed officials for corruption and poor safety arrangements that caused the mishap.
Students and teachers, along with the working class in various sectors, are part of these protests. On January 24, 2025, there was a nationwide strike with thousands joining marches in cities such as Belgrade and Novi Sad, effectively shutting down schools, theatres, and businesses.
How has President Aleksandar Vucevic responded to the unrest?
Earlier, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucevic described the protests as an “external attack on Serbia” and compared them to “foreigners buying influence in parliament.” He’s called for dialogue with student leaders but faced rejection due to distrust in his willingness to engage meaningfully.
The protests represent a greater discontent with Vucevic’s administration, which many view as increasingly authoritarian despite pursuing membership in the EU. They are asking for accountability in the canopy collapse but also broader reforms to combat corruption and enhance democratic freedoms.
